Squad news - Pete Twentyman (Capt), Paddy Goodings (debut), Josh Stacey, Chris Ward, Kit Sorenson, Sean Ramsay , Chris Law (debut), George Bambrick, Christian Selkirk, Greg Humphreyson, Sam Bird, Shaun Stewart, Sam Busby, Fraser Green, Jonny Ward (back from Morpeth), Ollie Dearden, Tom Dias, Adam McDonald, Andy Hall (debut), Euan Duncan, Alex Cokeley, Andrew Maxwell, Peter Kay, Cameron Spencer, James Bass. In addition, we are waiting on availability of Luke Menzfeld, Tommy Bilclough, Billy Porter, Matt Bradford, Jan Safranek and Hayden Williamson (debut)

After Gosforth was relegated out of our league last season it made sense to arrange a pre season fixture against them for the Ringtons Cup. As such, we look forward to the match on Friday and expect the usual torrid affair. Last time out we were smashed by Gosforth but we have prepared well for the fixture.

Pre season has gone very well and intensity has been ramped up recently with conditioned training against Blaydon and Whitley Bay Rockcliff. It has been a great opportunity and one that has developed existing players but also allowed new talent to shine.

Debuts are expected for new signing Paddy Goodings (ex Morpeth) at hooker. In addition, fine performances in training games has lead to the inclusion of Chris Law and Andy Hall. Early indications that effort at training will lead to opportunities in the first team.

Training has been well attended with the first and second team training separately at times to allow the three's and/four's to develop at their own speed as requested. This has been vindicated as on Tuesday 25 players trained against Rockcliff whilst another 25+ players remained at Novos to develop basic structures and skills under the watchful eye of Andy Holman, assisted by injured first team players in Lewis Chater and Alex Cokeley.

Great scenes as we seek to grow the game and the club once more. Indeed a huge opportunity this weekend exists over our Beer Fest Weekend . So get down to Gossy on Fri to watch the first team before heading back for the band and the beer. Then on Saturday our 2/3/4's take on Rockcliff's 2/3s before the Beer Fest continues all weekend.

What a time to be a member of Novos - Up the Vos !