This Saturday sees a pre-match lunch for our loyal members and supporters to whet the appetite for some top level local rugby. It will be nice to see Old Novo Billy Mordue once again, we hope he enjoys his return to Novos for the hospitality not the result.

The firsts will be looking for another win but also an improved performance following last weeks game against Redcar when they host Ryton. Only one point seperates the teams in the league with Novos occupying 9th place on 20 points and Ryton on 19 points in 10th. In terms of league form Novos with four wins and a draw from the opening 10 games and are on form against Rytons 2 wins from 10, however, the introduction of bonus points has saw Ryton take at least something out of most games they have played. They are a dangerous and well drilled side and Novos will have to be on their mettle to further advance up the league.

In the front row Mo Finlay will be hoping to shake off a shoulder injury to line up with Dave Curry and Gus Graham, Alex Littlefair returns to the 2nd row with Paul Henderson at the expense of the unfortunate Eddy Yuill. The back row sees Andy Rickaby move to blindside to accomodate Andy Borthwick at number 8 and Skipper Ben Merrett returns to openside after last weeks scrum half adventure!

In the backs injuries to Mark Young and Andy Maxwell have caused headaches at scrum half which were intensified with 3rd team scrum half James Shallcross being away. Student Thomas 'Choppa' Armitage has answered an SOS call and is returning from Stirling to make his long awaited first team debut, Dan Bollado returns to stand off alongside him. Mitchell Hendricks and Joe Moore are in the centres and Richie Mitchell returns to the wing with Sam Burnside at full back and Richie Lamb on the other wing.

The bench is Jamie Diggle, Gav Evans and Jamie Wallace.

The 2nds also take on Ryton at Barmoor without influential skipper James Forbes who is away, Dave Addison steps into his shoes from prop, Ben Walker and Paul Jackson complete the front row. Eddy Yuill and Glenn Fife form a strong looking 2nd row whilst the back row sees a return for Liam Savage and Clive Carlin with Andy Gardiner given a shot at number 8.

In the backs Dave Marshall is handed a chance to stake a claim at scrum half while Matty Bradford returns at stand off. Paul Roberts and Mike Shackleton form a new look centre pairing and Mike Mclovin! Andy Moses and Ben Adcock provide plenty of pace in the back three.

The bench sees a return for the Wolfman Jon Woolfenden and Richard Seed alongside hopefully another returnee Andy Holleyhead (AKA Buddy the elf)

The 3rds host Ryton in the league and have named a strong squad bolstered by some of our recent acquisitions who look very promising such Sam Hubbert, Dale Raine and Jordan RObinson along with more established veterans Tommy Wilson senior and Bon Jovi double Steve Gittins.

The 4ths will be hoping the training pitch holds up to face Blaydon Bricks in a friendly with skipper Ian Pratt hoping to pull his side together in the face of more injury woes!

On Sunday, the table topping Panthers travel to Bullocksteads to face Team Northumbria and will be hoping to continue the fine form they have shown of late. Janette Shaw will captain the side from centre and the final selection will be published after training this evening and reported on here.

A full weekend in prospect lets hope for 5 Senior wins!