Matty follows in the footsteps of fellow Academy player Sam Knight who enjoyed an excellent debut in the opening win against Keswick last week.

Sam switches to full back this week as there is a reshuffle with a few of the backs away - including Ryan Painter, Davy Heckles and Max Tennant. Ollie Connolly is also sitting out the next few weeks after having to be helped off the field last week  courtesy of one of his big tackles.

Lewis Scott was also due to be missing as he's doing the Great North Run to raise money for cancer research. However, with the coaches determined  to get two teams out at Kirkby Stephen,  he has volunteered to exert himself on both days. You can encourage him by donating at https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/lewis-giving-page

Jake Tennant is not joining his brother in doing the Three Peaks challenge on what should be one of the hottest days of the year. He will partner in-form Will Hilditch in the centre, with the lively Jordan Painter coming in on the wing.

Not too many changes in the pack. Adam Hutchinson is also not available with Liam Pennick starting after his good show from the bench against Keswick.  Chrissy Atkins will continue at No 8 ,  and he will lead the team against an Upper Eden side which also enjoyed promotion last season.  They also got off to a great start by winning 42-33 at Consett after fighting back from a 23-3 deficit.

The bench is also looking strong with County Under 20's hooker Louis Adamson poised to make his first appearance of the season alongside the experienced Alex Barker and Jay Corbett.

The Stags also have a few changes.. There is a  welcome return  to rugby for winger Imran Mehdi  and a strong looking front five. They've also selected an anagram at scrum half.  Hope he can work out who he is.......