Rugby preview: Redcar handed double fitness boost as they look to keep the heat on promotion hopefuls Acklam

Redcar Rugby Club stalwart Neil Young will make his first start of the season tomorrow as the Seasiders’ plot a last-gasp promotion coup.

Young has not featured since suffering a knee ligament injury in August, but is set to start at second row against Whitley Bay Rockliff.

Meanwhile coach Richie Young, Neil’s younger brother, will start at fly-half - his first appearance since breaking his arm in October. The Mackinlay Park outfit sit third in Durham and North Two, four points adrift of rivals Acklam who occupy the second promotion spot behind runaway leaders Ponteland.

Five wins in their last six has given Redcar plenty of momentum, and with Acklam still to travel to champions-elect Ponteland, Redcar are confident that three wins will see them promoted.

“It’s going to be a massive match,” Neil said, days after also taking over as club chairman.

“We are in between a rock and a hard place really, as we know we’re good enough to get promoted but we also know we will struggle at the level above if we do.

“We’ve finished third for the last two seasons and you can’t keep throwing away the opportunity when it comes along.

“So we’re looking to win the last three matches and capitalise on any slip-up above us.

“When you’re at the top and in the driving seat for promotion, every week is stressful. We know that from the beginning of the season.

“But we’re now going into matches without that pressure, and with the ability to play freely. It’s out of our hands.

“Hopefully I can be an experienced head on the pitch.

“If we’ve already scored four tries then we don’t need to be running around looking to score 60 points.

“It will be great to play with Richie for the first time this season. We’ve got nothing to lose and we’re going to enjoy it.”

Keeping a close eye on the Redcar match will be Acklam, who know three victories will definitely see them promoted.

Johan Otker’s side have won six out of their last seven matches, and tomorrow host Barnard Castle at Talbot Park.

With influential forward James Ffitch ruled out through injury, Acklam are relying on their squad so step up to the mark.

Patrick McCann and Patrick O’Brien both start for the Teessiders, but Dean Roberts is unavailable.

Acklam will be looking for maximum points on home soil, before facing Ponteland on April 11.