Sunderland away for Sedgie

Promotion hopefuls Sunderland provide a stern test

The Opposition

Sunderland RFC have maximum points from the opening three games, in stark contrast to Sedgies poor early season form. Sedgie will need to return to form if they are to get anything out of this tough game. Sunderland have recorded strong bonus point wins over Ryton, Whitby and Darlington scoring points for fun. Last season Sedgie heroically managed to get a losing bonus point despite having to rely on coach Dave Addison and Saxons Manager Doug Wardle playing to field a side that day with prop Dan Martin playing 80 minutes on the wing!!.

Team News

September cant end quickly enough for Sedgefield with the promise of several players being available to return to action in October. For this weekend the challenges remain and Sedgie again are likely to ask lads to fill in out of position and do a job.

James Allison starts at prop after a decent first appearance last week and Ollie Barker continues at hooker, Dan Lawson is the other front row. Paul Wilkinson will be hoping to continue his strong early season form partnering Pedro Gray in the boiler house. The back row sees Ben Norris returned from his wing exile to 6 and Seb Wilkins is at 7. Experienced campaigner and player coach Paul McCormack is at number 8.

Nathan Waterhouse is retained at scrum half and club captain Phil Dawson will be hoping the ten shirt will fit him! Will Johnson is returned to 12 as needs must and Danny Wolfe is at 13 this week. The back three is Ryan Towler and Kev Vaughan on the wings and young Kyle Smith at full back.

The Bench
Richy Wood provides strong front row cover and Gareth Wright is in line for a first team debut. Jamie Wilson completes the finishers but he may not be able to make it to the game... So Matty Nunn is on standby for a first team call up should that happen.