Match Preview
The Blurb:
Novocastrians RFC 3rd XV have the chance to progress to the final of the Northumberland Junior Cup (No. 3 Competition) for the first time since 2016 on Saturday when they host North Shields Crusaders (2nd XV) at Sutherland Park, KO 2pm.
It’s been a mixed bag of a season so far, with Jack Pellew’s men winning 10 games out of a possible 19. They’ve has some big wins against Winlaton Vulcans and West End, and the scalp of Morpeth Stags before Christmas was a huge effort, before two tough games against the clear league leaders Durham City 2’s and Berwick 2’s.
The Craic:
Arguably the highlight of the season so far was the Cup Quarter Final win against Medicals Serpents in October. A fantastic team performance in monsoon conditions saw the forwards overpower their opposition, and tries from Michael Stowe, Louis Matthews (who has gone on to become a 1st team regular since), Billy Porter and Jeff Burke led them to a 19-31 win away from home and afforded them a home semi-final against North Shields Crusaders.
The Line Up:
As is the life of a 4 club team, only 7 of the players from the QF are selected for the Semi Final due to injuries, unavailability and promotion to higher teams within the club.
Club stalwart and former 3rd XV captain Alan Pitchford starts at 1, whilst new recruits this season Richard Anderson at 2 and Martin Halsall complete the front row at 3.
Neil Spence will lead the pack from the engine room, where he is joined by Rob Reid, last week’s MoM who has thoroughly earned his place in the team on the back of some fine performances.
The back row sees the experienced Stew Wilson (of the famous Wilson Dynasty) at 6, the youthful and energetic George Preston at 7 and the ever-present Jeff Burke at 8, a shirt he has really made his own this season.
The half-back pairing of Jonno Martin and Jack Pellew will look to control the flow of the game. Martin has impressed in the club this season at 9 with several opportunities in the 2nd XV, while 3rd XV captain Jack Pellew will look to control the pace of the game squeezed into the 10 shirt.
Soon-to-qualify-as-a-veteran and elite (sic) marathon runner Ben Melrose steps into 12, where he is joined by Newcastle University student Charlie Hay at 13 on his debut season with club.
Young speedsters Fraser Green (11) and Alistair Parry (14) will provide threat out wide, whilst Veterans Captain (and hero to Blonde people) Matty Bradford will oversee the whole operation from 15.
The finishers include club servants Rich Zabrocki and Andy Gardiner, alongside Jamie Malone and Ewan Dalziel who have been regularly training and making a positive impact within the club. It is hopeful that 1 or 2 additional players may join up with the squad.
The lads are fortunate to have Andy “Talking Heads” Croft managing the side-line in his capacity as Third Team Manager, and it’s fantastic to see injured 1st XV player Kit Sorensen coming along to look after the forwards on the day.