Novos will make a short jump over the river to Ryton RUFC tomorrow as they take on Ryton in a huge 3rd vs 5th clash. After a narrow loss away to Medicals last week the newly promoted team sit on 62 points, and with Novos confirming a top 3 spot should they win on Saturday, our opponents will be sure to be hoping to spoil the party.

Ryton have won 8 of their last 10 games at home so the trip across will be a challenging one but Novocastrians have so much to play for with only 3 games left in the season for them, so any support that can travel down for the final away game of the league season would be greatly appreciated!

This week sees the return of the much-missed Tom Taylor after he took a couple weeks out due to an unfortunate injury to the shoulder. But after some rest to the legs the front rower returns to pack down alongside two familiar faces in Johnny Mcsorley and Sion Gittins.

Jeremy Hunt, who scored his first try in a Novocastrians shirt last week will retain his position at second row alongside the skillful Alex Watson, they provide the extra foundation for the front row against what we expect will be a large and strong Ryton side.

Captain George Bambrick will stay at openside flank and on the other side of him is Louis Matthews who had an impressive game as always last week against his opposite man when we faced Hartlepool. Bringing the pack together is Dylan Gittins who will control the ball at the base of the scrum after returning from his travels in Edinburgh.

The backs see a bit of a change up as we welcome back a familiar face in Harry Tankard at full back, the hot stepping versatile back returns to the 1st XV after some time on holiday. On either side of him sit Brandon Gilbert and Rhys Merlane. Merlane, who typically plays at scrum half for us moves to the wing where he has scored many tries before. He moves out to the wing to accommodate Barney Youlden. Another versatile back who can play everywhere for us will look to control the game from scrum half with Lewis Chater wearing the 10 shirt, we will be grateful to have both of them playing on the same pitch together bringing a touch of class each.

Finally in the centres, Ben Jubb and Sam Busby experience their 3rd week of partnership together as Michael Searle remains unavailable. Jubb stays in the 12 shirt and Busby keeps 13, typically a full-back or winger the newly outside center assisted a try in the first 60 seconds of last week's game.

Completing the squad of 18 we have Charlie Lawlor, Johnny Allton and Simeon Archibald all ready to add an impact and a touch of class from the bench when they come on the pitch.

The 2s/3s will host an inter-club game at Sutherland Park tomorrow in the absence of an opponent this week. Meet time is for 14:00 at the club to kick off as soon as possible for some beers after as a team in the clubhouse. Anybody who wants a run around and a bit of a game contact Magnus Leask or just show your face and find a coach tomorrow and you will be sure to get some gametime!

Up The Vos!