With a weekend off for the 1st XV ahead of the local derby against Sedgefield next weekend, this week sees our 2nd XV take to the field at Blackwell Meadows as they welcome Guisborough Monks. Four games into the league and both teams are vying for position at the top of the league, so Saturday is looking to be an entertaining affair.

In team news, Tom Glenning starts alongside Mike Tebbs and captain Chris Dargue to provide a strong mix of youth and experience in the front row. Neil Scullion adds some strength and bulk to the second row joined by Jay Graham. Following on from his try-scoring exploits last week out James Brown moves up from the bench to start on the blindside, with Jake Bell continuing in the openside shirt. Mark McConnell makes a welcome return from injury securing the base of the pack, adding a wealth of experience, and getting some much-needed game-time.

Looking to the backs, Terry Martin returns after a period of working and personal commitments has kept him out of the game for a few weeks, a strong tackling 9 with a rugby league background, joined in the half-backs by Ed Hurley who again has endured a long couple of weeks off with other commitments. The centre pairing remains unchanged as Ryan Thompson and Andy Harris continue their tried and trusted partnership. Ste Shepherd retains him wing position after a strong season so far, joined by Adam Gray on the other wing who reverts to his preferred wing position after a few weeks in the 9-shirt. As the last line of defence Sam Berry makes a welcome appearance in his break from his university studies.

There is a strong bench to add some fresh legs to the game, with Stephen Hall joined by Adam Jacques, Mark Taylor, Harry Stokell, Wayne McNulty, Sean Banner and Ben Smith. All will be integral parts of the game as we look to continue our strong start to the season.

Sunday also gives the opportunity to watch the future of the club as our Colts team welcome Darlington Mowden Park to Blackwell Meadows, with local bragging rights at stake it is one of those games that both teams look out for at the start of the season.