Bradford and Bingley are one of only three teams below Billingham in National Three North
Billingham shuffle their backs to try and increase their creativity for a ‘must win’ game at home to Bradford and Bingley, one of only three teams below the Teessiders in National Three North.
Anth Hyndman is back at centre after missing last week’s game through illness. He partners skipper Joe Evans, while Peter Evans moves forward to fly half from full-back, with Luke Wilson taking the No 15 shirt.
Director of rugby Stewart Evans said: “A win - especially a five-point win - would improve our position considerably.
“We have created chances but missed them, so have freshened up the backs to add to the creativity and try and take the opportunities we make.”
The forwards remain the same though Luke Armstrong comes into the squad and is on the bench.
Billingham could do with the sort of run Middlesbrough are enjoying.
Boro have moved out of the bottom Three in North One East after three successive wins, and tomorrow seek to stretch that sequence at mid-table Driffield.
Adam Nolson comes into the side on the wing, with Michael Thornburn moving to centre as Richard Metcalfe is unavailable, which is a blow to the side as he has played well in the winning run.
Boro are boosted by the return to fitness of Jack Bircham. He is on the bench.
In Durham and North One, 11th-placed Stockton visit Ponteland who are two places worse off.
A win for Stockton would be a big step towards ensuring that they will be playing in the same division next season, but they have to re-shuffle their back division as centre Dan Wilson and winger Joel Simpson are not available.
Coach Paul Lee stands down as Si Crozier is available again and returns to the wing, with Craig Slaughter, Steve Thornton and Ritchie Brown in contention for the vacant centre shirts, dependent on late fitness tests.
In the forwards Dan Muirhead reclaims the hooking berth, so Mark Conway moves to the bench. Sam Toulson moves forward to add his considerable bulk to the front row so Ben D’Cunha, still regaining match fitness after his shoulder injury, stands aside.
Stockton won the home fixture 37-14 at the end of November and Ponteland have to win the game to have a chance to avoid relegation so a tough battle is expected.
Guisborough can take a step nearer finishing second and a play-off place if they win at home to Gosforth, who are in lower mid-table.
Fellow play-off chasers Consett face a tough trip to Durham, who are still in the frame, while third-placed Darlington host Hartlepool Rovers in what could be a key weekend.
In Division Two, Redcar are without a game this week so have longer to reflect on last weekend’s 100-point haul.
In Division Three Yarm host Seghill, the team immediately above them, while in Yorkshire One Acklam host Old Brodleians.
It’s been a struggle for Acklam at the higher level, but chairman Ray Kelly said: “The players have battled all season and have not given up at any stage. Our play has certainly improved.”
MIDDLESBROUGH (at Driffield, 11.00, 3.00): Todd, Nolson, Thornburn, Bellerby, Kilbride, O’Farrell, Wright, Warsama, Kearney, Lonsdale, Harland, Pierce, Kay, Heslehurst, Bradford. Reps: Helm, Wardle, Bircham.
STOCKTON (at Ponteland, 12.15, 3.00): Phinn, Crozier, Brown, Slaughter or Thornton, Farrell, Good, Thwaites, Highfield, Parkinson, Dixon, Douglas, Taylor, Toulson, Muirhead, Barrass. Reps: Conway, Tampin.
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