The Durham and North Two promotion race takes centre stage tomorrow as Teesside rivals Acklam and Redcar look to end the season on top.
Last weekend saw both second-placed Acklam and third-placed Redcar slip to defeats, meaning it’s still all to play for with six matches remaining.
Four points separate the sides, but the Seasiders could have leapfrogged Acklam if they had held on against leaders Ponteland at Mackinlay Park six days ago.
It wasn’t to be as Redcar were beaten 16-15, but there’s no time for reflection as they travel to North Shields.
Richie Young’s side have been handed a double fitness boost with prop Harry Challenor, now stationed at RAF Leaming, going straight into the front row.
Meanwhile former player-coach Neil Young has recovered from a long-term injury and will start from the bench.
Winger Matt Curry also returns to replace prolific try scorer Craig Newlands, who moves into the centre for the unavailable Ben Durrans. Kieran McMahon and Steve Sills make up the subs bench.
Meanwhile at Talbot Park, the pressure is on Acklam to return to winning ways and shake off last weekend’s drab display at Hartlepool.
Despite having most of the play, Acklam came unstuck and couldn’t force their way over the Pools line - but an opportunity for redemption comes against fourth-placed Whitley Bay Rockliff.
Before Saturday’s setback, Acklam had won their last three matches and will be favourites to maintain their promotion charge on home soil.
In National Three North, Billingham have it all to do as they lock horns with table-topping Sale at Greenwood Road.
Sale were 43-19 winners in November’s reverse fixture, but Billingham have enjoyed home comforts in recent times, having been victorious in three of their last four home matches.
Boro will be looking for back-to-back victories in Yorkshire One as they face Scarborough, currently sitting one place below them.
Yarm travel to Whitby in Durham and North Three.
No comments:
Post a Comment