Match Preview

NB - Kick-off 2.00pm

South Shields Westoe travel to West Hartlepool on Saturday in a game they need to win in order to keep in touch with the top four league leaders.

The two sides met early in the season and the win went to Hartlepool in a close match that was ultimately decided in the final quarter by a huge defensive shift from the visitors and Westoe opting to turn down a series of kickable penalties.

Despite a recent run of three loses, Westoe have all the weapons required to take the match which should be a close-run affair which could be decided with a single missed tackle.

Yet again, Westoe ring the changes seeing eight players replaced from last weekend’s loss to league leaders Northern. The team has used forty-one players to date and have suffered from consistency as a result. Hopefully the long term impact will see a massive improvement in the strength in depth within the club and further improvements in the squad.

The pack sees a welcome return of Anthony Rumis and Sam Gaff, with Liam Jackson retaining his spot in the back-row after a promising show last week.

Up front, talisman Prop/Hooker, Raymie Elliott, is set for his 300th League Start for Westoe (322 including bench). Elliott has been the stand-out player for many years and always causes the opposition a few problems, as well as a few sore heads after MCing the post-match shotguns.

The backline sees another stalwart of the team, Chris Judson, taking on the fly-half duties alongside Sam Seymour at nine.

The totally revamped line also sees the return of Sam Hughes, Jamie Preston and Louis Hagan.

The bench contains another of the new signings from neighbours South Shields, Isaac Gardner, who is due to make his debut at some point in the proceedings.

Kick-off is 2.15pm at Catcote Road, Hartlepool. TS25 4HA

The Development side face Middlesbrough at Wood Terrace, all players to attend for 12.00 meet.

1. Ryan Lamb
2. Raymie Elliott
3. Louis Kellett
4. John Younghusband
5. Anthony Rumis
6. Sean Ramsay
7. Liam Jackson
8. Sam Gaff

9. Sam Seymour
10. Chris Judson
11. Paul Evans
12. Derek Worthington
13. Sam Hughes
14. Jamie Preston
15. Louis Hagan

16. TBC
17. Martin Peter Bengston
18. Isaac Gardner