Novocastrains are set to take on table topping Consett on Saturday and will be looking to become the first side to beat them this season. Consett were relegated into our league and are proving they are too good for DN1 despite struggling in the league above. They are a nice side to watch - playing 15 man rugby as witnessed when they scored four first phase tries in this seasons first encounter.
We look forward to the challenge of playing the league leaders and hopeful we can put on a good showing. Historically, fixtures between these two clubs have been great to watch. Both sides intent on running the ball at every opportunity. The group are in a great place on the back of four wins in a row and will have had four sessions preparing for this match after last weeks rest.
The front five is almost unchanged as once again Pete Twentyman, Daniel Shuttleworth, Luke Menzfeld and Ross Radford will be in the engine room. Shaun Stewart rejoins the pack in a John Eales (use google) type role. The back row sees one change as youngster Louis Matthews is rewarded with a start after a couple of appearances from the bench in recent weeks. A strong pack is rounded of with the tireless work rate of Josh McFarland and the leadership of Darren Kelly.
During the past four wins the side has been pretty settled - Lewis Chater and Sam Devey remain at 9 and 10 whilst Jack Hearn and Sam Busby will continue to grow their budding partnership in midfield. They will be key players in trying to shut down Consett's desire to move the ball wide. The back line is completed by a new and talented back three with speedster Ben Forbes returning to the side along with Dylan Murphy. At full back we will see the debut of the very promising James Jones - who has looked very impressive at training this month and in last weeks second team game.
The bench consists of Josh Stacey who is desperate to break back into the starting line up. Support will be supplied by Tom Talylor - a ball carrying back rower and Tim Hart, who were both excellent for the two's last week against Hartlepool Rovers.
Final note - thank you to the players and captains again this week as we put out four sides once again. Your tireless work during the week is much appreciated as we continue to play our part in growing rugby in the North East.
Up the Vos !