This weekend the 1xv head to Barnard Castle, always a difficult place to go.

Barney have had a tough start to the season, playing many of the teams in the top half of the league. Although they’ve generally came short in these games they’ve often picked up losing bonus points and did we against second placed Darlington, picking up a draw.

Shields have lost 3 of the last 5, due to players not being available and having to chop and change the team week in and out, not giving us the best chance. Hopefully things will settle down for Shields in the coming weeks.

Shields welcome back Sam Brooks after a few years away.