This week will see Novocastrians 2nd XV host a travelling Carlisle side at Sutherland Park as they look to back up last week's resounding win against Ashington. They play a Carlisle side that we don't know too much about but it should promise to be an exciting game full of lots of tries and some exciting Novos brand rugby on display for all to enjoy.

Despite losing a couple players from last weeks impressive win to go up for duties in the 1st XV, the squad is brimming with confidence and excitement heading into the game, and despite that minor setback the depth in the squad means that the loss of a couple players means our playing strength shouldn't be affected.

In the squad we also have a few unfamiliar faces who will be looking to make themselves quickly acquainted with not just our coaching team but also our unwavering supporters on the balcony! One of such faces is that of Matty Knox who joined training towards the back end of Pre-Season and after having made his senior debut last week from the bench he earns himself a starting shirt at flanker this week after performing well at training.

Club Veteran Shaun Stewart also returns to help us out and get some more rugby minutes in his legs after taking some time away over pre-season to focus on his impressive Great North Run time! He will take up position at 12 and look to use his vast rugby knowledge to control the game, and with captain for the second week running in Greg Will's alongside him in the outside centre channel the two will really make for a formidable pairing in the midfield happy to test any defence.

In complete contrast to Stewart's experience we instead have the unknown and the excitement in Jonny Cotterill who will pack down in the second row after making a great account of himself during training when he has had the chance. He partners with another Veteran in Chris Ward in the second row which should make for an epic pairing in the middle of the scrum.

With Saturday's fixture being a friendly we have a brilliant 27 players taking the field on Saturday for the 2nd XV which is really positive as we head in search of fielding 3 teams for the first time this season as the student's return. So a great mix of players in the squad who will be ready and eager to go, the only downside however is, the great number we have pulling on a shirt this Saturday means I cant say something about every one of them!

Meet Time At Novos - 13:45
Kick Off - 15:00
2nd XV Vs Carlisle
Solomon Mak - Rhys Gibbons - Harry Mason - Chris Ward - Jonny Cotterill - Sully Ismail - Matty Knox - Eddie Mason - Joe Kapur - Sam Bird - Ben Wilkinson - Shaun Stewart - Greg Wills (C) - Sam Cleife - Matthew Russell - Ian Wood - James Moore - Sean Hamill - Vinny Baker - Rohan Cook - Charlie Wilson - Christian Selkirk - Jack Povey - Lex Leonard - Will Pink - Archie Tatum - Vuyo Nossa - Yabantu