We are somewhere near proving that our opening loss to Rovers was a blip - an away win at Horden and a huge home win on Saturday vs Medicals putting our season back underway.

Training has been a rollercoaster this week as we looked somewhat hungover on Tuesday. Somewhat understandable after a long weekend celebrating a great performance on Saturday. However, we look back on the job now after focusing on Saturday's opponents in our last session of the week.

There are nine changes from the squad that pushed Medicals around Sutherland Park. All three front rowers - Jonny McSorley, Tom Dias and Pete Twentyman are unavailable. So there is a recall for Luke Foster who has been a bundle of enthusiasm for the 2's recently. Tom Taylor moves to two and will bind up with his school team mate in Jack Wilson.

Despite the changes in the front row the five behind them show great strength as Oli Taylor comes back in to the row. The youngster is back at Novos on a placement year and will look to continue his early season form. He is partnered by Alex Cleminson who returns after missing last weeks win.

The back row is full of fetchers as Alastair Bennett will be making his debut at six after some energetic performances for the 2's and will tackle everything that moves. He is joined by Sion Gittins who will relish moving back to seven after a stint on the wing. The Novos youngster is a well rounded rugby player who thrives wherever you put him on the field. The back row is complete by captain George Bambrick who was outstanding in last weekends match.

Our back line has been hampered by injury during the last two wings so it is great to see boys getting back to training this week. Tom Grieves will be better for the half last week - two or three vital contributions in last weeks comeback appearance with a try assist and a couple of penalties. Outside him is the versatile Tom Brown who made a vital steal against Meds when they looked in for all money.

Further players return to the squad as Brandon Gilbert and Greg Wills claim back their shirts after giving them up to hamstring injuries. In addition, Isaac Robinson returns after missing last weeks win due to work commitments. Ross Glasper comes in on the bench after a storming performance for the 2's last week.

So out go a few forwards but in come a few regular first team backs. Rockcliff will be a tough challenge as they are in form with big wins over Acklam and Darlington. Their only loss coming on match day two with a 21-11 loss to Medicals. Going to be a great game.

Squad - 1330 meet for a 1500 kick off. Luke Foster, Tom Taylor, Jack Wilson, Oli Taylor, Carl Ferguson, Alastair Bennett (debut) George Bambrick, Alex Cleminson, Tom Grieves, Sion Gittins, Louis Matthews, Brandon Gilbert, Isaac Robinson, James Bass. Subs - Zac Weatherhead, Alfie Bowman and Greg Wills.