Match Preview

A week off for the first team boys although last weeks sub forward Louis Matthews will get some much needed game time. In addition, Ross Radford who has been filling in will drop down and get some mins in the back row. It will be a much needed rest week for the group after a run of wins against Stockton, Nth Shields, Horden and Medicals. This effort has taken its toll with injuries ruling players out and others playing through knocks to ensure wins occurred. The first team group now looks forward to the challenge of Consett on the 29th.

The club once again shows it strength with three sides being selected for Saturday. Ian Pratt's men travel to Hartlepool and I will be there to watch and see who is putting their hand up for first team rugby. Of the 22 players selected, 16 of them have played first team rugby at some stage. So we will be hopeful of a great performance and a good result away from home.

2nd xv to play Hartlepool (a) Tom Dias, Alex Cokeley, Gus Graham, Alex Horne, Ian Pratt, Ross Radford, Louis Matthews, Josh McFarland, Jamie Ogilvie, Jonny Winterhalder, Dylan Murphy, Sam Bird, Isaac Robinson, Ben Kelly, James Jones (debut) Tom Harwood, Gus Nye, Tom Taylor (debut), Christian Selkirk, Harry Armstrong, Zac Weatherhead and Ben Forbes.

The squad sees promotions for Alex Cokeley, Tom Harwood from the three's to the two's after strong performances recently. In addition, I look forward to seeing 2nd team debuts for Tom Taylor and James Jones who have been attending training for the past three weeks. It's also great to see Harry Armstrong return to the squad.

Looking forward to watching the boys play - up the Vos !