Rovers remain in top spot with a two point lead over Percy Park and will want to keep their 100% record going against the Tees-siders who have put together a good winning run of their own after a disappointing start to their season and which only came to an end with a home defeat to Northern who, themselves, have also stepped up a few gears lately.

The Friaragemen welcome back Andrew Lilley who has recovered from the shoulder injury suffered in the win at Gosforth and there are also returns for Brian Foreman and Michael Barnfield who had work commitments that ruled them out of the 30-3 victory at Consett.

Rovers gave a somewhat subdued performance at Belle Vue despite what was a convincing scoreline and the Whites will be looking to return to something like the free running and try scoring form that they were showing a few weeks ago.

Stockton will provide a tough test for Rovers with some good and longserving players in their ranks. Simon Crozier will trouble Rovers if he gets a decent supply of ball, whilst stand off Jeremy Good is an excellent marksman should Rovers concede penalties. This is an area where Rovers have shown great discipline so far this season, however. In the away eight, veteran lock and lineout specialist Keith Etherington is always a threat and skipper Wayne Brown is sure to lead by example. There is also a welcome return to the Friarage for former Rover Sean Willis.

Rovers: B Foreman, Sainty, P Hall, Lilley, M Barnfield, G Foreman, A Foreman, Tucker, J Cushlow, Wise, Power (c), D Smith, Grazier, S Palmer, Taylor. Subs: Langston, Cook, Shires

Stockton: Paul Armstrong, McClaren, Crozier, Peter Armstrong, R Brown, Good, Thwaites, Willis, Muirhead, S Brown, P Austen, Etherington, W Brown (c), Conway, Douglas. Subs: M Austen, Farrell, Doherty

Referee: Philip Walton (Durham Society)

Re: Stockton Preview

Author: gerry mac  Date:   28-11-08 18:52 keep it going lads up the 3rds

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