Last week Novos ran in 69 points against Seaham but were made to work hard for every point in a tough physical encounter, it made up for an opening day defeat and a bonus point win pushed them up the table. The performance was far better than that against Bishop Auckland Novos need to take this form away from Sutherland Park. Its fair to say Novos have struggled on their travels in recent times – you have to go back to last seasons last minute win over Ryton for the last time Novos won away from Sutherland Park. This away form is something we must address if we are to challenge once again at the top end of the league.

Winlaton have also had a tough start to the season, losing out narrowly to Seaton Carew at home on the opening weekend before unexpectedly losing heavily to Hartlepool last weekend away. Winlaton are always a tough opposition, particularly at Axwell View which has never been a happy hunting ground for Novos and Winlaton wont gift anybody league points there this season, if you win at the Vulcans you can bet they will have made you earn it.

Coach Magnus rated Novos 8 out of 10 last week and though we played really well, it was clear there is more in the tank, Some key players are welcomed back into the squad following injuries though changes are minimal. The starting front row remains unchanged from last week while Chris Ward starts for the first time alongside Liam Pape in the 2nd row. Its all change in the back row with all three starters unavailable this week. Gav Evans will have to squeeze into the 6 shirt, Dan Bollado shows his versatility by moving to openside while Skipper Jamie Wallace gets to play in his favoured number 8 spot.

The backs are also largely unchanged, but there are boosts with Saul Shanahan returning from injury at stand off and Jonny Coller coming in for his debut in the centre, Luke Mitchell edges out Shaun Stewart who drops to the bench and the back three are unchanged.

The bench sees Jonny Smith line up for a league debut along with Shaun Stewart and Neil Spence.

The 2nds face a National league club for the 3rd time in 3 weeks when they welcome Corbridge Centurians to Sutherland Park still searching for their first points of the season in UBS Candy league two. Corbridge of course are not a national league club but they are really Tynedale’s third team and amongst their number will have some players who are registered to play National League rugby for Tynedale. This will be a monumental task but Novos are able to name a strong squad and with the regular students due back in next few weeks will grow stronger still in the coming weeks.

Last week was an unmitigated disaster for the 2nds, The loss of 12 players virtually handed the points to Westoe and a heavy 70+ point defeat highlighted what can happen in this league if players don’t show the commitment needed.

This week Gus Graham, ‘fresh’ from a 2 week break in Mexico, steps in at hooker for the unlucky John Addison with Paddy Davies also returning to the front row. Mark Curphey and Will Pilkington continue in the 2nd row and in the back row Dan Wright starts with Vice Captain Andy Gardiner and Jordan Robinson.

Its all change in the backs, Simon Dickinson is at scrum half and Rich Harrison returns at stand off, Skipper Chris Fife and Richie Mitchell are solid in the centres and Brian Keith and James Parkinson come into the wings with Darren McCrory at full back.

On the bench Matt Miles returns with Dave Addison and Dan Leadbitter

The 3rds are also at home, Consett’s 2nd string provide the opposition and the 3s are hoping to get things up an running after losing to Blaydon in the 1st week. The squad is very strong this week with John Addison, Eddy Yuill, Anth Lowery boosting the pack and Rich Carling, Jack Callaghan, Chris Henry boosting a pacy and talented looking back line. Consett 2nds were competing with Novos 2nds last season in the River Aln so this will be a tough game.

The Centurians travel to Consett to play their 3rd team and Curson is sweating on the fitness and availability of several players so names a squad for the game including Damo Fenix who will skipper the side with Chris away.

The Ladies will be looking to bounce back from an opening day defeat to strong promotion favourites Camp Hill when they travel to Carlisle for another tough game, the Ladies played some really good rugby last week and are hopeful of improving on last seasons mid table finish this time out.

This is a tough weekend for all of the Novos sides, we could do with your support, come down have a beer and cheer us on!