Durham City Preview

By Dave Picken - March 18 2011
Durham City Preview
Larkin at City
Durham City should have been visiting Brinkburn in our last game before Christmas. You won't have forgotten that back on December 18th we were under a foot for snow and there's no doubt that both sides will prefer the sunny skies promised for the rearranged fixture .... 

The first game between the two sides in September saw similar conditions  - and arguably our best running performance of the season.

We were four tries up within 20 minutes, including a sweeping move which finally saw Adam Larkin touchdown - a contender for try of the decade.

It was another of those days when six of the kicks didn't go over, and the final score ended only  23-8.

City were right up at the top in the opening month but have gone on to have an up and down season -they are nevertheless quite comfortable in mid-table. Two weeks ago they conceded 40 points at Northern but came back to beat Old Brods at home last week

On their day they are dangerous and have a lively full back in Rob Smith who has been scoring a lot of points in recent weeks.

We will be looking to start where we left off against Team Northumbria last week. It was a pleasant change to see such an open game, but City will provide  much more experienced and solid opposition.

Tom Dixon returns in the second row, after his sojourn to Edinburgh, with Carl Miller stepping down to the bench. However, Liam Bailey misses the first of three games because of an exotic holiday, which he certainly deserves for his efforts this season, although he could have waited a couple of months. Fortunately, club captain Andrew Dixon is ready and waiting to step in.

Jonny Boatman continues to lead the side after his toe operation was postponed. Both he and brother Dan are in fine form - aided and abetted by top scorer Stephen Stockdale.

Colin Cheslin returns at full back with Darren Thomas on the bench but otherwise the backs will be unchanged.

West:  Colin  Cheslin, Adam Larkin, Luke Watson, Gavin Robinson, Andrew Cheslin, Gareth Foreman, Andrew Foreman,  Adam Coates,  Andrew Dixon, Jon Norris, Tom Dixon, Andrew Davies, Dan Boatman, Jon Boatman (capt),  Stephen Stockdale. Reps  Darren Thomas, Carl Miller, Matt Holmes.

City:  Rob Smith,  Tom Howard,  Chris Metcalfe,  Arnie Stevenson,  Luke Burgess,  Adam Morton,   Lewis Groves,   Josh Brown,   Michael Hay,   Benny Parkinson,  Peter Dent,   Kevin Showler [capt],   Jeffrey Roberts,   Thomas Hand,   Alex Whitfield. Reps:  Ken Reader,  L Jardine,  A.N. Other.

Referee: Carl Hall [Durham Society]

 
Durham City Preview
Posted by: Official West Hartlepool RFC (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2011 10:18


Re: Durham City Preview
Posted by: West Park Allotment (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2011 11:04

City was always one of the games you looked for when the fixtures were arranged in the days before leagues.
In those days you looked to see if you were playing them during the term holidays when the students weren't available.
How things change. Last week we played a team that was full of students and tomorrow we'll be playing a side full of club players. Very much looking forward to it as you always get a good game against them.

Re: Durham City Preview
Posted by: Supercodhead (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2011 12:02

WPA thanks you for that fascinating mix of insight and history>>>my day has been uplifted beyond my wildest expectations>>>

Re: Durham City Preview
Posted by: West Park Allotment (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2011 12:51

Well you need all the help you can get considering the way your team has been performing. Glad to be of assistnace.

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