Rugby preview: Guisborough, Acklam and Redcar look to maintain promotion charge

Teesside's promotion-chasing trio can move one step closer to their dream on a busy weekend of domestic rugby.

In Durham and North One, Guisborough head to local rivals Darlington knowing that they can ill-afford any further slip-up in the title race.

Despite beating Durham City at Belmangate last weekend, the Priorymen did not seize a four-try bonus point - and that allowed Morpeth to draw level on 90 points at the summit.

With only five matches remaining, the title will now surely go to whichever team holds their nerve - with both Guisborough and Morpeth eager to avoid the jittery play-off route.

In the same division, sixth-placed Stockton host Novocastrians - and the Station Road outfit have received a significant injury boost.

Stockton ended last weekend’s defeat at Morpeth with 14 players and uncontested scrums, after suffering several injuries during the match.

But Mark Conway, Andy Bailes, Martin Dixon, Phil Douglas and Joel Simpson are all available and come back into the side.

Meanwhile Acklam and Redcar renew their promotion duel in Durham and North Two tomorrow.

After both clubs returned to winning ways last weekend, only four points separate the Teesside rivals vying for the second promotion spot behind runaway leaders Ponteland.

Acklam saw off Whitley Bay Rockliffe six days ago, and they will be looking for home comforts again when they lock horns with Winlaton Vulcans.

Any slip-up could be fatal with Redcar waiting in the winds, as Neil Young’s side host Bishop Auckland at Mackinlay Park.

The Seasiders were beaten 19-11 in November’s reverse fixture, but only a victory would keep their surprise promotion push going.

Anthony Coulson and Steve Sills come in at prop, Steve Bryce is at second row and Brian Foreman returns to the centre. Former player-coach Neil Young will once again be on the bench.

In National Three North, Billingham travel to Rossendale hoping to close in on the top five, and avenge November’s 18-17 defeat at Greenwood Road.

Yarm host Seaham in Durham and North Three.