Novos 1st team welcome Stockton as this weekends visitors on the back of an encouraging showing last week away to Gateshead, Whilst Stockton who have been going strong in the league were the victims of a surprise heavy defeat to Alnwick. Novos will not be fooled by this result, Stockton are one of the top sides in this league and Saturday will be a tough game against a well drilled strong outfit.

Novos have remained confident throughout a tough start to the season and whilst respecting the obvious talents of Stockton will fancy their chances of sneaking a result in front of their own crowd following the improved performances of late. With Mo Finley missing Head Coach Andy Leonard names Gav Evans, Dave Curry and Rory Clarke to start at the coalface while Alex Littlefair returns to the 2nd row alongside Paul Henderson, the back row welcomes back Andy Borthwick alongside Ben Merrett and Andy Rickaby.

Andy Maxwell continues at scrum half with Dan Bollado at fly half, Luke Mitchell and Mitchell Hendricks form a commentators nightmare centre partnership (Wait till Richie Mitchell comes back!!) while the back three sees Mark Young start his first senior game of the season at full back with Shaun Stewart on one wing and new signing Jamie Diggle coming in for a debut on the other.

The bench is Jamie Wallace, Chris Fife and Gus Graham

The 2nds will be looking to bounce back from last weeks dissapointing defeat to Gateshead when they host Blyth 2nds on Pitch Two. The loss last week has saw the 2nds drop to 3rd in the league 2b and they will be hoping to get back on track against a Blyth side who last season were beaten cup finalists and league runners up.

Dave Addison is rejoined in the front row by brother John Addison and the front row is completed by El Capitan James Forbes. Andy Gardiner continues at second row with Glenn Fife, but the back row is shorn of the talent of Micheal Mitten, Adam Beanland takes his place at number 8, Liam Savage and Clive Carlin will be on the flanks.

Choppa Armitage is at scrum half while Matty Bradford is at stand off, Stew Wilson and James Shallcross form a new look centre partnership while Andy Moses continues at full back and Brian Keith and Mike Maclennan hold their wing places after impressing last week.

The bench sees a return for Paul Jackson alongside Steve Gittins and Simon Dickinson.

A hybrid 3rds and Centurians travel to Ponteland to take on their 3rds Crofty, James Ellis and Steve Thompson form a handy front row with Damo Foggon and James Cowan in the boilerhouse, Jordan Robinson, Ed Bowness and Ed Ellerington are in the back row.

The backs are Gary Redshaw, President Gus, Tom Barker, Wilson the derelict - Captain, Anthony Miller, Nicky Ellison, Adam Longstaff
Benching: Wilson the apprentice derelict, Lee Histed, Richard Daly, Drew Henderson, Ian Pratt, Chris Curson Ed Moss Paul Stainsby Jordan Ellison Bassy Dave Rutherford, Mike Cousins

The all conquering undefeated ladies Panthers travel to take on Darlington, also undefeated in the RFUW championship North following last weeks thumping dismantling of Sheffield, Fly Half Ali Mcmullon is injured but Novos name a strong squad with the likes of Jo Geary, Kate Disley, Sel Makin, Amy Ross, Janette Shaw, Shauna Vetch and Rachel Moses all in good form. An away victory would place them firmly on top of the table.

Squad From:Alice, Jo, Lisa, Emily, Cat, Laura, Amy, Sel, Fran, Diz, Shauna, Rachel C, Lucy, Rachael Fidler, Janette, Shorty, Helen, Emma M, Christine, Crazy Jo