After back to back victories over Houghton and Yarm, Pool will head into this one with confidence and belief but under no illusion of the test that lies ahead.

Northallerton are a quality outfit and have enjoyed some big results themselves this season. They currently sit two places and three points above the hosts in the league table.

Last March the two sides played out a couple of close contests a fortnight apart with North coming out on top 15-12 and 0-17 respectively.

It is shaping up to be another enthralling game on Sunday.

Unfortunately Millie Addison and Carla Kraken picked up knee injuries in the win against Yarm last month and are expected to be sidelined for the foreseeable.

The front row of Katie Hopper, Audrey Egan and Chandler Wilson remain unchanged, while Claire Dodgson returns to partner Lauren Makepeace in the second row.

Top try scorer and captain Emily Carroll packs down at the base of the scrum and will be flanked by Lisha Ali and Grace Waller.

Academy player Waller has took no time adapting to life in the senior game after a series of excellent performances.

Dan Mead is on holiday so the under 18 pairing of Talia Fox and Imogen Farrell will link up at 9 and 10.

Lillie Stamper, who has been in fine try scoring form, and Amber Oliphant start alongside eachother in the centres.

In the back three, Livvy Morgan and Nicola Hunter start on the wings, with Andrea Carrillo-Perez moving to full back.

Replacements Karlie Taylor, Rachel Holliday, Mollie Graham, Rileigh Hastings, Bella Armitage and Cara Bearby will all be looking to impact the game when introduced.

Bearby is in line to make her competitive senior debut for the club which will be a fantastic moment having been one of the first players to join us when we set up our Women & Girls section in 2021.

Hartlepool Ladies Team vs Northallerton:

1. Katie Hopper

2. ⁠Audrey Egan

3. ⁠Chandler Wilson

4. ⁠Claire Dodgson

5. ⁠Lauren Makepeace

6. ⁠Lisha Ali

7. ⁠Grace Waller

8. Emily Carroll (Captain)

9. Talia Fox

10. ⁠Imogen Farrell

11. ⁠Nicola Hunter

12. ⁠Lillie Stamper

13. ⁠Amber Oliphant

14. ⁠Livvy Morgan

15. ⁠Andrea Carrillo-Perez

Changes:

16. ⁠Karlie Taylor

17. ⁠Rachel Holliday

18. ⁠Mollie Graham

19. ⁠Rileigh Hastings

20. ⁠Cara Bearby

21. ⁠Bella Armitage

22. ⁠TBC