It's an extremely young side with Phil Gilbraith probably the oldest and most experienced player in the line-up ... and he's only recently left University.
Sammy Hutton and Gary Miller have brought the team on well this season and in recent weeks came close to beating Horden and the Heughers. Quite how much they've improved will be evident in the Pyman, but there was an excellent turn out for training last night and the side is relishing the prospect of some proper competitive rugby ahead of next season's campaign in the Teesside League.
It looks to be a very competitive side. The front row of Ryan Phillips, Philly Butler and big Anth Williams looks challenging, to say the least, and they are all players who can move the ball ... Ryan scored a hat trick against Redcar the other week and has been looking good in his first team run-outs.
In the second row Dan Boatman has been receiving good reports, and he'll be partnered by Carl Miller who was unlucky to lose his first team place with the return of Rudd and Davies.
Flankers Greg Edwards and Will Richardson have both been knocking on the first team door, and will be anchored by Gilbraith with the prospect of Stevie Clayton coming on at some point to add his own brand of bucanneering rugby.
The backs feature the dynamic Cheslin twins with Colin at scrum half [I think] and Andy on the wing. Chrissy Martin can also play 9 but he's been doing well at fly half and, even though he's the youngest in a young team, has really asserted himself this season. Talented footballers Moss and Wallis willl be outside him - both have first team experience and will be in the unusual position of being the "wise- heads."
Such is the strength of talent in the back row that Chris Young has to make do with a place on the wing. After being out with a broken leg for so long he's just happy to play anywhere!
With so much rain about Martin Boatman is the obvious choice at full back - he's an England sailing international.
Ath will provide intersting opposition. They've been promoted this year and will want to cap their season with a good run in the Pyman. The game should have been played on Wednesday, but some of the Ath players were working so they are quite happy to play the Stags at 1.00 and then dash back to their own club to play a touring side! Typical Athletic.
Stags Squad:Martin Boatman, Andy Cheslin, Phil Wallis, Paul Moss, Chris Young, Chris Martin, Colin Cheslin, Ryan Phillips, Phil Butler, Anth Williams, Carl Miller, Dan Boatman, Greg Edwards, Will Richardson, Phil Gilbraith, Steve Clayton, Mark Cholmondeley, Tommy Barff, Paul Oliver.