That was our biggest defeat of 2021, and a sign of things to come as far as our away form is concerned - we are unbeaten at home and have yet to win away..

Getting players on the pitch is a big problem for most clubs post-Covid. Things may not get better for some time  as Omicron takes hold, including the news that the Boxing Day game at Rovers is under threat. There are suspected cases at the New Friarage, which have led to the league game at Westoe having to be called off.

No such problem at Brinkburn,so far,  although the usual merry-go-round of changes through work and injury, means there are a few changes and a couple of late fitness tests.

There's a strong front row with Tim Blades starting for the second time since his return, alongside top scorer Adam Brown and exuberant try scorer Adam Coates.

Jake Linighan is busy making motor cars this weekend, so James Tyers starts in the second row alongside Tom Robertson who is back after breaking his hand in training. Izzy Robinson also returns after his injury at Westoe.

There's also a new combination in the backs where brothers Max and Jake Tennant will be delighted to play their first game together for the senior team. Jake will be in a new look centre partnership with Ollie Connolly who missed last week's poor show at Rovers. Hope he bought his dad a nice Christmas present.

Ponteland arrive in 9th place and are ten points behind us in the table. They're a young side who play some entertaining rugby given the chance - as we can testify from last September. 

Hopefully, the  defence will be more organised this week, and with the prospect of more players  returning for 2022 the increased competition for places might lead to some better results -specially on the road. Matt Siddle is returning from work commitments in Essex, where he has been playing at a higher level for Thurrock, and Danny Cookland is back in fitness training and will be available for selection from February.

Training numbers  were much better this week and the Stags  have a decent squad out at Middlesbrough in the CaNDY league, including Zac Southern and Ollie Mossop to bolster the backs .

The Academy are in action on Sunday when they host Stockton at 1.00