Match Preview

2nd xv to play @ Acklam 1145 meet, 1400 kick off.
David Lawson, Ant McQuillan, Vuyo Nossa-Yabantu, Alex Watson, Ewan Strachan, Thomas Platt, Simeon Archibald, Josh Hood, Josh Martin, Harry Jones, Zinzan Fraser, Shaun Stewart, Michael Lehmann, Max Cook (club debut) Ethan Morton, Ollie Forster (senior debut) David Thompson, Adam Longstaff, Issac Robinson

The boys will be desperate to return to winning ways after three league losses in a row. Despite being due to have a day off the boys have opted for some rugby - credit to them. A strong squad has been assembled with some notable inclusions.

In the pack in form Alex Watson and Thomas Platt are promoted based on performances last week. We have taken our time with Watson moving him through the teams slowly to ensure he is fully up to speed after returning to the club after uni. The ex Falcons Academy player will be hopeful of another stellar performance as he tries to stake a claim for a shirt against South Shields & Westoe on the 17th Feb. Platt has been outstanding for the 3's and deserves this opportunity for the 2's.

The backs see a few more changes as Josh Martin comes back from uni leave to grab the 9 shirt. He will be partnered by Harry Jones who again has been outstanding for the 3's and enjoyed the odd appearance for the 2's.

In the centres Shaun Stewart pairs up with speedster Michael Lehmann. Stewart has always been a leader at ur club but the way he has responded to playing in the 2's recently has been outstanding. At no stage has he taken the hump at selection - instead he has enthused the group whilst doing everything he can to earn additional first team caps.

The three quarters show some serious gas in Zinzan Fraser - the ex Billingham colt is loving his time at Novos whilst in the city for uni. There is excitement in the club to see Max Cook make his club debut. The Hereford flyer has managed to sign a student pass for the rest of the season and will be eligible for the first team as of next week. He has looked incredibly sharp at training this week.

Excitement doesn't stop there however as the current captain of Dame Allan's School is selected for his senior debut in Ollie Forster. The Falcons Academy player will come on from the bench looking to do 20 mins in the back row and 20 mins at hooker. Always a great moment to see our youngsters filter through to our senior sides.

Finally, we hope to see the return of Isaac Robinson to our playing pool. He has been a big miss around the place on and off the pitch and we hope that this is a permanent return to the game.

Good luck boys - up the Vos !