Sometimes there are just things that are bigger than the game itself. None more so as we get behind the Bolam family on a day that would've been Jack's 21st. So please get down and help us raise funds for the battle against Meningitis.

Ourselves and Ryton have run away from the chasing pack and with four games to go, one of us is winning the league. Amazing to see a league title go into the last few weeks - even after the game we have some banana skins in Gateshead and Medicals. Whilst Ryton have Medicals and Durham Uni away from home.

Someone is getting one hand on the trophy but it is likely that neither club will be able to put the other hand on it till 25th April.

In an effort to ensure fundraising efforts are in full force we have all three sides at home. The 2's replicate the senior fixture as they take on Ryton 2's- kick off at 1300. The 3's have Alnwick 3's at 1500. Going to be a busy day so get you hand in your pocket and help fight the battle against Meningitis.

Few changes in both squads as we strengthen from last weeks game at Ponteland. Back in come our regular centre pairing Michael Searle and Harry Tankard. In total Ryton will have six different players in front of them from our away defeat back in early December. The likes of Tom Taylor at prop, new signing Andrew Kirton in the second row, Josh Farley at ten and Dylan Gittins at eight will want to show what we were missing.

The scrum battle will be vital as Ryton are a heavier pack - however, we have been pushing heavier packs around of late. A couple of changes in Ryton's front five so let's see what we can produce

Around the park our back row is at full strength with Rob Baldwin back to his own self last week - causing carnage in his carries. The same can be said for Louis Matthews who is in the form of his life. Dylan Gittins returns to his 8 role after the captain had an excellent stint at 12 last week. In addition, Sim Archibald and George Bambrick are in the 18 and sure to have an impact on the game.

The backs have a few niggles but who hasn't during these closing stages of the season. Cam Wallace and Josh Farley are at 9 and 10 and will be tasked to turn Ryton's big pack around.

Should be a cracking day but nothing is more important than helping the Bolam's with their fundraiser. So bring some cash down and ensure you give what you have to spare.

1st XV to play Ryton at Sutherland Park at 1500, meet 1330.
Johnny McSorley, Sion Gittins, Tom Taylor, Andrew Kirton, Jonny Cotterill, Rob Badwin, Louis Matthews, Dylan Gittins, Cameron Wallace, Josh Farley, Simeon Archibald, Michael Searle, Harry Tankard, Max Cook, Sam Busby, David Medjigbodo-Lawson, George Bambrick, Sam Evans

2nd XV to play Ryton at Sutherland Park at 1300, meet 1145.
Harry Mason, Alex Cokeley, Dom Burns, Oli Taylor, Jeremy Hunt, Matthew Knox, Dan Morosan, Ross Radford, Harrison Allan-Evans, Rhys Merlane, Luke Masters, Zac Smith, Ewan Dryden, Dennis Osagie, Adam Lambert, Zac Chatterjee, Tom Westgarth, Alfie Bowman, Conrad Bains (debut)

3rd XV to play Alnwick 3's at Sutherland Park at 1500, meet 1330.
Ian Wood, Rich Zabrocki, Ben Rodgers, Michael Scott, Eddie Mason, Tom Craven, Jack Bowman, Evan dare, Ted Old, Christian Selkirk, Jay Turton, Lex Leonard,James Bass, Mark Hemmings, Ed Thompson, James Forbes, Chris Ward, Alex Fawcus, Ben Hawkins, Adam Longstaff, Sully Ismail, Dom Byrne, Patrick Magill

Up the Vos !