Just seven games to go in the league and we are clinging to a one point lead. March will have a huge impact in the league as we have Hartlepool at home before being on the road for two games - in form Bishop Auckland and our old friends, Ponteland.

The group looks okay this week but the seasons work load is showing with injuries to Morgan Scrace and Jonny Cotterill. In addition, Andrew Kirton, Rob Baldwin and Owen Hayton are not available. We have taken the decision to rest a couple of lads who we need to be available next week due to more unavailability. As such, Cameron Wallace, Sam Evans and Sam Cleife all have been given the day off.

The front row remains in place as Tom Taylor, Sion Gittins and David Medjigbodo-Lawson pack down 1-3. All change in the second row as Jonny Allton comes in as does Jeremy Hunt. The pair will be desperate to put in a good showing and do their bit for the clubs promotion push.

The back row is strong with in form Louis Matthews at six, George Bambrick at seven, with Dylan Gittins returning to captain the side.

Exciting times for the backs as we bring in youngster Sam Brooks for his debut on the right wing. Brooks looks an exciting prospect and has been training well with the seniors for a couple of months now.

Great to see Rhys Merlane get back into the group after a few weeks away. This allows us to rest Cameron Wallace who has done the bulk of the games at nine.

The only other change sees Simeon Archibald get the nod on the bench. His inclusion should ensure the lineouts stays accurate throughout the 80 mins.

Novos are heavy favourites but no game is easy in this league or should be Hartlepool be taken lightly. So look out for some high tempo rugby from Vos as we try to keep winning whilst increasing our points difference.

1st XV squad to play Hartlepool at home 1500 kick off, 1330 meet
Tom Taylor, Sion Gittins, David Medjigbodo-Lawson, Jonny Allton, Jeremy Hunt, Louis Matthews, George Bambrick, Dylan Gittins, Rhys Merlane, Josh Farley, Max Cook, Michael Searle, Harry Tankard, Sam Brooks (debut) Sam Busby, Ant McQuillin, Simeon Archibald, Adam Lambert

3rd XV squat to play Houghton away, 1400 kick off, meet at Vos 1200 for lifts.
Sol Mak, Ben Rodgers, Harry Mason, Eddie Mason, Tom Storey, Josh Smith, Evan Dare, Matthew Knox, Christian Selkirk, Ben Trotter, Ross Cleminson, Zac Smith, Will Pink, Max Mallon, Matthew Russell, Ian Wood, Rich Zabrocki, Henry Pace, Sam Bird

Up the Vos !