We head into this fixture in fine spirits - unbeaten in the league, fit and well after 21 lads were rested last week in preparation for this game. Our opponents are even more rested after their national cup game was gifted to them as an away team walkover. So they have had two weeks off - not sure if thats an advantage or not.

Novos have a strong side out despite the absence of Cam Wallace (9) who is in his last week of GRTP and a few regulars missing in Morgan Scrace (3), Jez Hunt (4) and Louis Matthews (6) However, included after missing the cup win over Medicals are Sion Gittins, David Medjigbodo-Lawson, Jonny Allton, Rhys Merlane, Owen Hayton and Josh Farley.

Last seasons games were one a piece as we were poor at Stockton, unable to match the physicality of our opponents at times. Didnt help that they seem to have some kind of weather machine as we played into a gale for 40 mins then they switched it off and the sun came out ! However, at home we were able to move the ball much quicker and kick and find space,

So the pack will be tasked with winning us some set piece ball and winning the gain line battle. Tom Taylor and David Medjigbodo-Lawson will be two pillars in the scrum as the returning Sion Gittins packs down between them. Gittins has been instrumental in our change in fortunes at set piece time.

We have decided to pick our biggest second row as in comes Jonny Allton to partner Jonny Cotterill. The second row has been a competitive area this season and even more so with the addition of Owen Hayton from Ashington. Allton will be chomping at the bit to perform and try stay within the squad.

Our back row is well balanced with the power of Rob Baldwin at six, the link play of Co-Captain Dylan Gittins at eight and the combative George Bambrick at seven. We have real depth in the department when you think that Louis Matthews, Darren Kelly and Simeon Archibald are unavailble.

The backs looks lit with only Cameron Wallace missing due to concussion protocols. This sees last season starting 9 return to the squad in the form of Rhys Merlane. His quick taps in lasts seasons home fixture were vital in our win. Outside him, Lewis Chater maintains his role at 10 despite the availability of last seasons starting 10, Josh Farley. Chater has been at his mercurial best in the absence of Farley as we try to help him prioritize uni rugby.

Michael Searle moves back into the 12 spot after playing at 6 in the Medicals win. His combination with Ben Jubb is tried and tested. Jubb was incredibly influential in our home win over Stockton with line breaks and big hits.

It has been almost impossible to pick our back three at the moment as Max Cook, Adam Lambert and Sam Cleife are all in the twos along with Brandon Gilbert. Incredible tro think that players of that calibre havent been able to make the side. Alex Donaghy gets the 14 shirt in what may be his last game before starting rugby league pre season training for Workington. The Newcastle Thunder captain has scored 5 tries in his last three games. On the left wing is Harry Tankard who has been in such great form that we felt he couldnt be left out, also providing us with centre cover. The back three is completed by club record try scorer Sam Busby. Have we ever had such an abundance of talent out wide ?

The finishers are Ben Rodgers who was outstanding against Medicals but has been given a role of the bench. Owen Hayton returns to the group after a great perfomance las week in the 2's win over Percy Park. Finally, the 18 shirt goes to Josh Farley - great to have him involved whenever his uni schedule allows him to put the Vos shirt on.

1st XV to play Stockton at home, 1400 kick off, meet at 1230.
Tom Taylor, Sion Gittins, David Medjigbodo-Lawson, Jonny Allton, Jonny Cotterill, Rob Baldwin, George Bambrick, Dylan Gittins, Rhys Merlane, Lewis Chater, Harry Tankard, Michael Searle, Ben Jubb, Alex Donaghy, Sam Busby, Ben Rodgers, Owen Hayton, Josh Farley

2nd XV to play Ashington away, 1400 kick off, meet at Vos 1215 for lifts.
Johnny McSorley, Ant McQuillin, James Moore, Eddie Mason, Dylan Mills, Matthew Knox, Zac Smith, Sam Bird, Max Cook, Matthew Russell, Adam Lambert, Harry Mason, Brandon Gilbert, Sam Cleife, Harvey Gadsden, Vuyo Nossa-Yabantu, Chris Thompson, Michael Scott

3rd XV to play Gosforth away, 1245 kick off, meet at Vos 1115 for lifts.
Andrew Robson, Zack Chatterjee, Dom Burns, Oli Taylor, Louis Oliver, Tom Storey, Jack Bowman, Dan Morosan, Ted Old, Ben Trotter, Jay Turton, Alex Cokeley, Ewan Dryden, Sam Woodall, Adam Longstaff, Arthur Wallis, Stevie Thompson, Chris Ward, Rich Zabrocki

Throw back Thursday from Chris Ward - in 1987-88 both Novos and Stockton were placed in North East 2. That meant Stockton were our first ever home league opponents. In September 1987 Novos edged a 10-9 victory. Try scorers Doug and Nigel Smith, with a conversion added by Doug Smith. In those days two tries and a conversion did add to ten points ! Novos went on to win the title that year. Head to head the sides have played 53 times with Novos only being victorious in 15 fixtures.

2nd XV are aiming for their first double over Ashington 2's since 2011-12. Although, our 3's did do it in 2014-15.

3rd XV - last time out against Gosforth won 50-12 in Feb 2025. Our last away win came in the form of a 20-7 cup victory. Our 3's went all the way to the final but were not triumphant unfortunately.

Up the Vos !