Novos 2nds play host (weather permitting) to Newcastle University Freshers 2nd XV (1:15 kick off to accomodate the internationals) in what is sure to be interesting in many ways. The students will be a completely unknown quantity and Novos have absolutely no idea what to expect, One thing is for certain, they are likely to be quick!

Novos line up with Skipper Forbes at Prop alongside Paul Walker and Matty Lamb, who returns to the side at hooker replacing Dave Addison who drops to the bench. Glenn Fife and Jon Woolfenden form a new 2nd row partnership and Clive Carlin, Jamie Wallace and James Blanchard complete the pack from the back row. Further forward cover is provided by the welcome return of Andy Holleyhead and Paul Henderson who will surely be called upon at some stage.

In the Backs Mark Young replaces the extremely unlucky James Shallcross who drops to the bench. Simon Dickinson makes a welcome return to the side at fly half. Chris Gray moves from wing to centre alongside Chris Henry and the back three is Jonny Ward, Shaun Stewart and James Bass providing plenty of pace if Novos can get it wide.

Skipper Forbes was looking forward to a challenging afternoon commenting "We had a good training session on Thursday with most of the team in attendance, our thanks to Lenny and the 1st team regulars who allowed us to take over the session to run through some moves and providing some cannon fodder for us to run at. Hopefully we can secure a victory as reward for our efforts"

In the other fixture Novos 3rds will entertain Ponteland Pythons (2pm Kick off) at home in the cup and have received a welcome boost in that the Colts who were previously thought unavailable due to a Sunday game are now all available to bolster the ranks.

Mike Hudspeth and Mike Cousins are propping with Andy Croft at hooker, Ian Pratt replaces the unavailable Eddy Yuill in the 2nd row alongside the ubiquotous AN Other, The back row is shorn of the talents of veteran Pete Douthwaite so Jack Wilkinson and Ed Ellerington will play probably alongside Ben Walker, Stevie Gittens or Stewart Thomson.

Versatile John Addison is at Scrum Half with probably Guy Holt at stand off and Will Burnett will play at centre alongside Chris Turnock. The back three is Dave Henry, Steve Allen and Adam Longstaff, the bench is to be confirmed but Stuart Lee should definitely feature following a promising debut last week.

Follow that up with the England New Zealand clash in the bar and a busy Saturday at Novos is on the cards!

On Sunday our fantastic table topping ladies host Carlisle hoping to continue there fine league form, 2:15 kick off