Match Preview

This Saturday sees the mighty 3s travel to the coast to face Whitley Bay Rockcliff in the first of a tough season of league games.

The Novos side is a healthy mix of young and old faces, with some exciting new players making their debuts.

Paul Sanderson​ starts at loosehead, providing his wisdom and experience to the Novos pack.
Hooker sees effervescent John Paul Addison​ back for another season and will be seen throwing in straight all afternoon.
Shaun O'Connell​, still fighting for a 10/12 spot, starts the match at tighthead, though will mainly be seen throwing behind-the-back passes in the loose.

The second row sees Jack Salt​, playing in the position he’s told and hitting every ruck, and the venerable Andrew Croft playing in yet another position in the scrum as well as providing the first much anticipated match report.

An unfamiliar back row is comprised of new boy Neil Andrew Smith​ at blindside, young Dom Byrne​ at openside, and “Mike Cousin’s mate” Darren Hodgson​ at 8, also making his debut. They will all be looking to impress to keep the fat old boys out of the team when they return in a few weeks.

Christian Selkirk​ gets the nod at 9, and will be showing immaculate discipline all game. Brummie Greg Humphreyson​ is a welcome return to fly-half, and will be bossing the play if anyone can understand him.

In the centres, the tenacious Tommy Wilson​ will be hoping to carry on from his superb form last season, while Mark Hemmings​, captaining the side in the absence of the glorious leader, will keep him company at 13.

The young and frighteningly quick back 3 of James Jeffrey​, James Weaver​ and convert Joel Mckale​ will be looking for some clean ball to show everyone just how dangerous they are.

The bench, limited to 3 this season, sees another talented 9 in Justin Taylor​ back from a tough season with injury, looking to stay fit for more than 5 minutes. Mat Telford​ provides much needed forward cover with Daniel Charlton​ completing a strong looking squad as a back replacement.

Young Tom Wilson, if his body works after Friday night’s vets match, will also travel as cheerleader and backup, as well as the glue that holds the whole operation together. Though the squad will be hoping for a warm up that doesn’t resemble marine fitness training.