Last weeks excellent win over 5th placed Winlaton has given us a real buzz and lift as we look to ensure DN2 rugby at the Wok next season, with 30 points to play for Sedgie are now 13 points ahead of nearest rivals Seaton Carew and 17 points ahead of Gosforth. A win on Saturday would in all likelihood ensure we stay up (Subject to any league restructure.... No one really knows what is going to happen!)

The Opposition

Gosforth are a grand old club, the forefathers of the Newcastle Falcons and have led a fairly Nomadic life since departing Kingston Park as a seperate club. They have now settled in Gosforth and are looking to set some stronger foundations but its not always been easy, They have in recent past played much higher up the pyramid and im sure it wont be long before the good times are back at Gosforth.

Gosforth endured a torrid start to the season and were rock bottom, but some recruitment has seen them improve results and they are certainly making up ground having picked up some notable bonus points and a few wins along the way. They know they need a result on Saturday and will no doubt be targetting this game as a must win if they are to complete a great escape.

Team News

As already mentioned, last weeks great win over Winlaton has given us a boost and breathing space from the bottom three and another positive result will be much welcomed on Saturday. The team as always with Sedgie shows many changes with some returning and others wandering away for a week or two!

Ollie Barker is back at loosehead after a couple of weeks away and he packs down with Skipper James Watson and Richie Wood in the front row. In the 2nd Row, Chris Lowe is given a start after a strong showing from the bench last week alongside Dan Lawson moving to his preferred position. The back row is all change with Paul McCormack, Ollie Lines and Will Johnson all either away or injured so Pedro Gray is at number 6, Seb Wilkins at 7 and James Allison gets a run at number 8.

The backs are somewhat more settled with only 2 changes, Nathan Waterhouse is back at number 9 to replace suspended Michael Shepherd. Chris Dawson has moved work around to be able to play at stand off and Lawrence Oliver is again paired with Adam Grieve in the centres. Out wide Jack Sellers retains his place while the only other backline change sees Andy Shepherd rotate with Ryan Towler on the wing. Top points scorer Owen Robinson is at full back.

On the bench we have only selected 2 at the moment to help the Saxons with availability and injuries leaving them short for a friendly with Consett. League points may be at stake but we want to ensure as many lads get a game as possible, so as things stand Ryan Towler will be joined by Andy Broere who has been playing well in the Saxons and is in line for his 1st team debut after signing from Acklam at the start of the season. If the saxons pick up more bodies by Saturday we may well take the full compliment with us. Its all part of level 8 rugby!

#UptheSedgie