However, we have beaten both of those clubs this season although time is running out to take that form on the road.
As ever there's enforced changes. Jake Linighan is still missing, as he serves his two match ban, so the new second row partnership of Jimmy Tyers and Craig Hadwen continues. Craig was unlucky not to score last week putting in a tremendous shift at short notice and his strength was a key factor in nullifying the famous Sunderland scrum.
Adam Brown bust his lip in the warm-up last week and had to go off to hospital, but is fit to start this week and will be at No 8. We also have the two county Under 20's back. Adam Hutchinson resumes in the front row and Tom Robertson moves to the back row with Butch and Bailey unavailable this week.
Only one change in the backs where Will Hilditch is over his hamstring injury and comes in for Jake Tennant who is back off to Uni. Lewis Scott continues on the wing - he was in the thick of it on his return last week scoring two tries and unlucky to be pulled back for a forward pass as we looked for the win.
On the bench there would have been a welcome return for Danny Cookland but he has strained his back with the excitement of getting back to training. Andy Turner replaces him after recovering from his ankle surgery - good to see them both back in contention.
No game for the Stags. The Academy are in action at Percy Park on Sunday.
|
First XV @ Northern Kick off 2.00 |
|
| Sam Heron | |
| Owen Westhorp | |
| Will Hilditch | |
| Ollie Connolly | |
| Lewis Scott | |
| Matt Siddle | |
| Ryan Painter (capt) | |
| Adam Coates | |
| Aidan Jackson-Smith | |
| Adam Hutchinson | |
| James Tyers | |
| Craiog Hadwen | |
| Chris Atkins | |
| Tom Robertson | |
| Adam Brown | |
| Stu Waites | |
| Andy Turner | |
| Alex Barker |