Match Preview

Hartlepool Rovers face more tough opposition on Saturday when they visit Consett (kick off 2.15pm).

The Whites’ record at Belle Vue is mixed but two years ago they stunned the hosts by overcoming a serious injury to Tyrone Church and a fightback by Consett to win 27-25.

The game looked to have slipped away when Consett went 25-24 ahead on full time but there was still time left for a restart and the Rovers’ eight rampaged into the home half winning a front-on penalty. Ten metres for dissent made for a slightly easier kick for Daz Fawcett who made no mistake.

The stand-off, who converted all four tries against Medicals in last week’s 28-17 win is missing tomorrow and Rovers are also without Adam Smith and Alex Rochester, who are at the Bangkok Sevens, Gav Robinson and Michael Railton whilst James Evens is not quite ready for a return.

Chrissy Harrison moves to full back and David Grand to the wing. Ian Mulvihill and Jamie Montgomery who partnered up well at Guisborough are reunited and Chris Sainty comes in at number ten.

Skipper Callum Whitehead moves from number eight to the second row to allow Andrew Dring to pack down between Liam Wood and Tyrone Church in the back row.

Rovers: Harrison, S Railton, Mulvihill, Montgomery, Grand, Sainty, Pelser, Pinchen, Cookland, Lloyd, Langley, Whitehead (c), Church, Wood, Dring. Subs: R Clayton, O’Callaghan, Little