Park arrive unbeaten as they look to prove a point after their unfortunate relegation when the RFU brought down the Covid shutters on the 2019 season. A line had to be drawn somewhere, but if there had been a few more games there's little doubt it would have been Bradford and Bingley who went down.

We are unbeaten at home so one of those records will go this weekend.

We also go into the game needing points to keep in touch with the likes of Westoe, Stockton, Rovers  and Aspatria who are fighting for one of the top four promotion places. With Park and Northern  just about assured of being the top two that's at least five clubs going for two places so it could prove to be an interesting second half of the season.

It willl include three rearranged games with, hopefully, no more postponements to come. The RFU has now confirmed the dates:

February 5th - Rockcliff (away)

February 26th - Aspatria (away)

March 19th - Ponteland (home)

We start 2022 hoping to gain some momentum and will do so with a new fly half in the shape of Matt Siddle who has returned after playing for Thurrock in Essex. Sidd did play in the Boxing Day game against Rovers where we finally achieved  much deserved first away win of the season. He comes in for Stu Waites who was able to return to training this week, and who will be part of an experienced bench alongside Adam Coates and Alex Barker.

Owen Westhorp is also fit again and resumes on the wing with Ollie Connolly and Will Hilditch in the centre.

Up front Adam Brown who was at No 8 on Boxing Day (pictured) returns to the front row alongside Adam Hutchinson and Aidan Jackson-Smith. The back row forwards have been particularly badly  hit by injury or illness, and in some cases both, but Chris Atkins, Isaac Robinson and Scott Butcher are all fit to start.

Tom Roberston is also back in action to partner Jake Linighan in the second row.

The long lay- off and unusual January sunshine has also encouraged a strong roll-call for the Stags as they host Percy Patk seconds in a friendly.