For the first time this season we are unable to field three sides as 34 player are unavailable from the wider first team squad. Annoyingly only 13 of these players are injured but we mustn't grumble. We have come along way as a group after a disappointing season - November saw the men's section only lose 3 out of the 12 fixtures !

1's to play Ryton at Sutherland Park 1400, meet time 1230
Tom Taylor, Ben Rodgers, Charlie Lawlor, Jeremy Hunt, Jonny Allton, Louis Matthews, George Bambrick, Dylan Gittins, Ollie Towe, Lewis Chater, Rhys Merlane, Sam Bird, Sam Busby, Michael Lehmann, Matthew Russell, Rhys Gibbons, Zac Smith, Brandon Gilbert

2's to pay at Gateshead 1400, meet time 1215
David Medjigbodo-Lawson, Arthur Wallis, Rhys Spowart, Chris Ward, Charlie Dunbavin, Rohan Cook, Thomas Platt, Josh Hood, Barney Youlden, Jack Povey, Adam Lambert, Lex Leonard, Dan Vicary, Luke Masters, Harry Tankard, Ian Wood, Christian Selkirk, Daniel Sweeney, Alfie Bowman, Harry Jones, Harry Hufton

We host high flying Ryton who sit just above us in the league although both sides have the same 7:3 record. Our second week in a row whereby a win will allow us to leapfrog our opponents. However, this will be a tougher task as a heavy Ryton pack may suit what will be a heavy pitch.

Back in comes Charlie Lawlor at tighthead and Jeremy Hunt into the second row. The rest of the starting pack remain intact despite numerous players being unavailable. The only other change will see Zac Smith on the bench.

Most of the changes are made in the back line - Michael Searle having work commitments and his centre partner Eoghan Phillips hamstrung. However, great timing to have Rhys Merlane back available after a week off and Michael Lehmann outstanding for the 2's on Friday vs Border Park.

The 2's travel to Gateshead which sees the return of David Medjigbodo-Lawson and Chris Ward in the pack. They are joined by proven first teamers Barney Youlden, Luke Masters and the return of Harry Tankard after a few weeks out.

A very exciting backline when you add in Jack Povey at ten, Dan Vicary in the centres and we see ex-Gateshead players Christian Selkirk and Lex Leonard given the opportunity to play against their old club.

Look out for the two youngsters off the bench in Harry Jones and Harry Hufton.

Sure to be two great games if the weather helps us out.

Up the Vos !