Match Preview

After a false start last week, the mighty 3s look to hit the ground running with an away trip to Ponteland. Just 8 players retain their starting places from last week, and some old familiar faces get their chance to show what they can do in a Novos shirt.
An unchanged front row sees Shaun O'Connell, just missing out on last week’s diva award, start at loosehead. The gloved John Paul Addison keeps his place at hooker while stalwart Paul Sanderson secures the scrum at tighthead.
Jack Salt, who has been practising the days of the week after nearly being caught out by the referee last week is accompanied in the second row by Andrew Gardiner, who will be racing back from Edinburgh airport in order to make the match.
Last week’s man of the match Neil Andrew Smith is rewarded with a starting place in his preferred position at blindside while Dom Byrne retains the openside spot. The talented Dan Hipps comes into the side to play number 8.
Irishman Justin Taylor starts this week at 9 after coming off the bench and not getting injured last weekend. He will be providing service to the eloquent Greg Humphreyson looking to build on his sturdy display against Rockcliff.
An injury to Tommy Wilson means big Nick Lithgow and his tweed jacket make their first appearances this season at 12, with captain Mark Hemmings at 13.
The back 3 is all change with Colm O Keeffe wanting some 3rd team action, Conor Peniston-Bird on the other wing, and Novos lad Tom Burford starting at 15 after some hard work in training.
The bench is made up of noble Lee Histed, hairy Kris Tengelsen back in the mix, and Daniel Charlton, who looked threatening coming off the bench last week.
Anywhere between 1 and 3 injured Wilsons will travel to cheer on this gorgeous squad.