Novocastrians 3rd XV will look to register their third successive win on Saturday against Northern Panthers, a side who they’ve already played twice this season, sharing the bragging rights with a win a piece. Novos lost out by a single point (19-20) in a pre-season friendly at Sutherland Park, but returned the favour 7 days later when they beat Northern in their own back yard at McCracken Park, winning 10-17 in the first league game of the season.

Novos are attempting to get four Senior sides out on the same day for the first time this season, and the 3rd XV have named a strong squad for the match on Saturday. The starting front row sees Alan Pitchford (1) and John Watson (3) retain their shirt at prop, with Tom Dias (2) dropping down from the second team to lend some experience to the pack.

Ben Silk (4) and the returning-from-injury Neil Spence (5) pack down in the Engine Room. Silk has made himself a 3rd XV regular over the last season, and it’s great to see Spence back after completing the GRTP protocol after a concussion against Northern last month.

The back-row sees young student Gus Nye (7) returning after a week of absence. Teesside Tom Harwood (6) and Ryan Crowson (8) keep their shirts after excellent performances last weekend against Medicals. We say goodbye to Crowson after today, as he moves to South Yorkshire to start his new life with his wife. He’s been a big part of the club for the last few years, and we wish him and his wife Jade all the best on their next adventure. He will always be welcome at Sutherland Park.

We are excited to see the long awaited return of Justin Taylor (9) to his rightful shirt after an early-season leg issue. After a run-out for the 4’s a couple of weeks ago, he is itching to get back into regular 3rd team rugby. He built a strong partnership with Fly Half and Captain Jack Pellew (10) last season, and the two will be looking forward to playing together again after a long break.

Nathan Harrap (12), who is amazingly only 21, returns to play at inside centre, and he will be partnered by Tim Hart (13) returning to play his first game since picking up an injury in August. Hart has proven his ability over the last couple of years, earning his shot at first team rugby last season. He’ll be hoping a good performance on Saturday will kick-start his season.

Jay Hayes (11) and new-to-the-club Jonno Martin (14) will start on the wings. Hayes has already bagged a brace this season against Berwick, and will be looking to get his name on the scoresheet again this weekend. Martin makes his club debut on the wing, but will also provide cover for the half back shirt.

The Finishers:

Club Chairman James “The Dentist Chair” Forbes (16), who has finally managed to get childcare after weeks of asking and will be donning the horizontal red, black and white stripes once again as front row cover.

James Coles (17) returns from a foot injury to offer bulk and cover for the second row.

Charlie Hay (18) put in a good defensive shift against medicals last week and retains his place in the squad (if available).

Newly re-appointed club Subscriptions Officer and Standing Order Payments Enforcer Rob Strange (19) will complete the bench and offer cover for the back three.

Since we are playing on the bottom pitch, Novos Rules (20) will be joining the squad as he will be receiving 2 points for every try scored at the bottom end. He is currently our top points scorer on 17 (he got an un-claimed try assigned to him from the Berwick game).

Kick off is 3pm at Sutherland Park, and all are welcome to come down at watch. The 1st XV take on Consett RFC on the main pitch, but we all know the real skill, athleticism and ability will be down on pitch 2.

Good luck to the 2nd XV (away to Consett 2’s in the Candy League) and the 4th XV (away to Sunderland 2’s in the Blyth League). Things are looking good at Sutherland Park – rugby for all; rugby for life.

Up The Vos!