It's been quite a while since Novocastrians have faced off against Gateshead, and after a strong start to pre-season so far with lots of numbers in attendance every week, the two sides are raring to go full of energy and excitement.

Our opponents kicked off their 1st XV campaign with a bang last week playing Thirsk RFC in a game which saw them run out 47-0 victors. A convincing win for a side that currently plays one league below us finishing 4th last season respectively.

So, an exciting challenge awaits us on Saturday. The 1st XV face the challenge of knocking a team off of their momentum whilst the 2nd XV try to continue some winning momentum of their own.

Being the middle of August, as expected, there is limited availability between the two sides. Coaches and players alike taking some well deserved time for holidays, and work and family commitments taking priority, means some unseen talents earn a starting shirt. One of those being Tom Westgarth packing down at 7, a recent colts graduate who had a standout game for the 2nd team last weekend earning himself Man Of The Match. On the other side of the scrum to him is Fin Ruddock at 6, another really exciting prospect and breakdown expert who will be looking to stake a claim for a starting shirt later on this season too.

Sam Cleife and Adam Lambert will both make 1st XV debuts on the wings. The electric pairing went really well together last week for the 2s and will want to try and challenge regular starters in Gilbert and Tankard for a potential shirt. Cleife has already scored a try in contention for best of the season after scoring from inside his own half last week and tomorrow should give him a good test ahead of the season.

Ollie Forster will also make his debut from the bench, the versatile youngster is able to cover multiple positions in the pack and rounds off a really strong youth presence in the squad.

The 2s will lose a couple of players from last week's squad to go up to the 1s, but the squad remains strong nonetheless. The pack stays strong and sees the return of the young David Medjigbodo-Lawson. A strong prop with a lot to prove in his first game back into senior rugby. Isaac Robinson will be joining him too on the wing as he returns back after some time away. An electric winger with some real speed and power in his running and will be guaranteed to beat defenders everywhere on the pitch.

Ex-colts Ben Stocken and Max Mallon will come into the squad to make their senior debuts in a Novos shirt. A great opportunity to give some graduating youngsters a chance to get a taste of men's rugby so early on into the season.

In other news the 125th Anniversary Non- Player Membership has now gone live! To celebrate 125 years of rugby at Novocastrians we are offering:
- A commemorative 125th year club tie
- A copy of Chris Ward's history of the club book
- An invitation for lunch and drinks on the book launch when the Men's 1st XV play Hartlepool on the 19th October
- A discounted ticket to the anniversary dinner on the 17th May 2025.

Are you interested? The cost is only a bargain £125 and payment can be made by the details below:

Novocastrians RFC
Sort Code: 40-34-18
Account Number: 91651226
Reference: 125 (Your Surname)