Novos Centurians play their final league game at home this weekend against Ashington 3s, the hunt for promotion is becoming exciting with three teams separated by 2 points in the chase for second place with North Shields 5 points clear in first place.

Novos know they must keep winning to keep their promotion hopes alive especially as they only have two games left in the season.
As usual the squad a much changed from the last game against Alnwick, but it is testament to the club that despite the students been away for Easter they can name four teams with subs.

In the Coal Face rugby league duo Rob Sykes and Steve Thompson start at tight head and hooker respectively, Jack Hendrickson complete the from row at loose head.

In the row sees a new partnership between Richard Daly and Drew Henderson.

The back row has a different look about it after biscuit head/fingers/arm etc Edward Ellerington received a promotion to the 3s. On the flanks serial ball killer Chris Bourke returns to the blindside, George Smith takes a break from playing for Australia to play at open side and Centurians skipper Ian Pratt will look to control his young team from number 8.

In the half backs the Centurians have plenty of experience with Chris Curson returning at 9 and Duncan Mackenzie returns at 10 to control the young back line.

In the centres the wild paring of Ross “the quiff” Billingham and Euan “Elton John” McGarrity hope to put their good understanding of each other to good use, like they did against Ashington.

Tom Barker comes in on the wing, Shaun Du Randt fresh from scoring his first ever try is on the other wing and the back three is completed by Derek Wilson at the unaccustomed position of full back.

Forwards cover is provided by James Lattimore, Ed Bowness and Will Darragh

Backs cover is provided by Gary Redshaw, Tom Ward and Paul Thompson.

It promises to be a good game so why don’t you all come have a beer in the sun and cheers the Centurians to victory.