After a couple weeks of subfreezing temperatures in the Northeast resulted in the cancellation of both Novos and Stocktons last 2 league fixtures meaning a fair bit of rugby needs to be played to catch up and that begins tomorrow for both sides.

Heading into the matchup, both sides have reason to be confident, Novos, currently sit in 3rd place in the standings with a game in hand over local rival's medicals in 2nd position and get the advantage on playing at a ground where they remain unbeaten so far this season. Stockton, however, come into the game in 7th place, but an impressive showing in October saw our opponents best us on their home turf leaving all the pressure heaped on our shoulders to try and right some wrongs of the past tomorrow.

The squad to take the field is a strong one though, and with a huge amount of depth throughout the whole club the 18 men picked are ready to make to make an impact as we finally get back into some rugby again.

The front row sees the welcome return of Sion Gittins in the hooker channel as he receives some time away from university duties, and either side of him will stand Tom Taylor at loosehead, and Ben Rodgers at tight head, a tough youngster who will be eager to get stuck into some big opposition.

Behind them in the second row are two familiar faces in George Jowitt and Jeremy Hunt, who both possess the physicality and ball playing ability to maneuver us around the park properly tomorrow.

To finish off the pack is the back row, a real strength to our 15 considering how much depth there is in behind it pushing for a shirt. Captain George Bambrick packs down in his usual position at number 6 and opposite him is the ever reliable and hard carrying Simeon Archibald. Finally, to finish off, the league's top try scorer in Rob Baldwin takes his normal spot at number 8.

The backs, as always, hold a lot of depth and potential in the whole line but the selection remains pretty similar to most of our outings this season. Rhys Merlane and Josh Farley retain their spots as the half-backs and will control the game well in our possession.

Michael Searle and Ben Jubb offer themselves up as the cannon fodder in the middle of the park ready to take on any heavy running that might come their way, and finally the back 3 compromises of 3 electric speedsters who can finish from almost anywhere. Max Cook and Sam Cleife take a wing each whilst full-back Sam Busby will be looking to chase down Rob Baldwins try scoring record this season.

Real depth in the club as a whole allows for an extra strong bench too. Ant McQuillan comes into the 16 shirt as a front row replacement. Darren Kelly, who has been brilliant all season, takes 17 to figure out work duties and finally the maestro Lewis Chater has 18, to cover almost any position in the backline.

So, if you have a few hours to spare on Saturday and want to come down to support the lads in what is expected to be a huge test tomorrow then get yourself down to Sutherland Park for 14:00.

Up The Vos!