Match Preview

Match Preview

Novos Development team are in the Northumberland Junior Shield Final, looking to win it for the first time since 1937. The game is being played at Blyth against local rivals Northern, 2pm kick off. Northern will provide very though opposition but after 12 wins in 13 games the Development team go into the final full of confidence.

Shaun O’Connell starts at loose head prop after showing impressive form over the last month. Shaun will be solid in the set plays but come into his own in the loose, where he will carry the ball well and send out some bullet passes to the back line. Games Played 13, Points scored 0.

Oliver Dearden starts at hooker, the openside has filled in at hooker during 2015 and has really grown into the role, improving each game. Dearden will work hard for the team turning ball over in the break down and making jinking runs leading to try’s. Games Played 11, Points Scored 5.

Craig Paterson starts at tight head prop, having fully recovered from his illness earlier on in the season Craig has been in impressive form over the last couple of months. Craig will offer strong scrummaging, a magnificent beard and strong ball carrying. Craig is looking to win his second Northumberland cup for Novos in two years. Games Play 9, Points scored 5.

Kane Deakin starts in the second row, he has been impressive all season and always puts in strong performances. Kane will provide phenomenal work rate in the loose, strong scrummaging and will provide one of the line out options. Games Played 6 Points scored 15.

Kristian Tengelsen will partner Kane in the second row, the powerful Scandinavian has been very impressive in his first season at the club. Kris will be strong at the break down and will put in some big hits. Games Played 7 Points scored 0.

Ian Pratt will captain the team from blindside flanker, having filled all of the back row positions this season he is probably in his best position for the final. Ian will offer plenty of ball carrying, rucking and tackling of his own unique style. He along with Craig is also going for his second cup win. Games Played 17 Points Scored 0.

Andrew Gardiner starts at openside, it’s the first time Andy has been at openside as he and the skipper swap regular positions. Gardiner will be doing most of the dark arts of rucking and disrupting Northern's rucks to turn the ball over. He will also provide an excellent lineout option leaping like a salmon. Games Played 13 Points scored 5.

James Desmond returns to number 8 after a forced absence for a couple of weeks. Des will be looking to carry the ball at every occasion and add to his impressive try scoring record. Des will also help out the wingers and look to provide them plenty of support. Games Played 16 Points Scored 60.

Christian Selkirk starts at scrum half, in what could be his last game at 9. Christian will control the pack at the break down and will help to unleash the back line. He will also put Northern’s 9 under plenty of pressure. Games Played 11 Points Scored 27.

Tom Wilson gets the nod at fly half after impressing in the last game at Gateshead. He will bring plenty of experience to the back line and monster hits. He will control the defensive line and in attack will look to free the rapid backline.

Joe Carr starts on the left wing, in which could be his last game as a back. Joe has scored plenty of try’s this season despite carrying some extra timber. Joe came on as a sub in the final 2 years ago and will be looking to grasp his starting birth with both hands. Games Played 15 Points scored 64.

John Marshall starts at inside centre after showing impressive form over the last month. John will add pace and strong tacking to the centres, he will also look to throw the odd miss pass. John has started to add try’s to impressive performances over the last couple of weeks. Games Played 15, Points scored 27.

Tommy Wilson starts at outside centre, like his farther he will put in some massive hits. He will offer strong running, the occasional pass and will help to organise the backline in attack and defence. Games Played 10 Points scored 10.

James Jeffery is on the right wing, since moving up to the development team he has shown he can be lethal in space with 6 try’s in 4 games. James will provide pace in attack and strong tackling in defence. Games Played 4 Points scored 30.

David Marshall is at full back a positon he has made his own. David will take the high ball well, make big break, create and score try’s. In defence he’ll put down the biggest men on the pitch and make last ditch tackles he has no right too, as he uses his blistering pace to cover missed tackles by his team mates. Games Played 14 Points scored 67.

Substitutes

Tom Burford will cover halfbacks and centres. Tom has been given a though time this season, much due to his own making but he has taken it in true Novos spirit. Tom is has made the most appearances for the development team this season and always gives 100% no matter what position he has been put in. Tom is Novos through and through, he was unlucky to miss the last cup win due to work. Games Played 18 Points scored 11.

Mark Hemmings will cover the centres and will look to add a second cup winner’s medal. Marks form has begun to pick up and will be boosted by two trying last time out.

James Weaver will be covering centres and the back three. He has plenty of pace, a good tackle and has shown he can score try’s. Games played 11, Points Scored 25.

James Forbes will be covering the front row and offers plenty of experience which will be vital in the second half. He will be very strong in the set plays and will be working hard in the loose, he will also offer plenty of encouragement for his team mates.

Dan Hipps will be providing back row cover, after a few months away due to work commitments his comeback in the last game was cut short due to Wilson snrs head. Dan will offer an extra dimension to the back row in the second half.

Callum Hoy the youngest member of the squad but he deifies his age. Callum will be a powerful impact sub in the scrums and in the loose, also as he keeps his head and uses his aggression positively.

It is a true privilege to captain the Development team this year and I am looking forward to leading the team out in the cup final. Everyone in the squad deserves their place and has been playing to a high standard for the last 4 months, we just need to put in one final tremendous performance and play at the level we are capable of. Just remember to enjoy the day and play the game not the occasion, just treat it like any other game and when we play to our best no one can beat us.