Sedgie make their longest away journey with a visit to Ashington for a DN2 clash, originally this was a home game , Our thanks to Ashington for switching the fixture to host us with the cricket club not being available this week.

2 weeks ago we were edged out and had to settle for a losing bonus point away at Ryton, another injury in that game to Tom Ducker adds him to our injured list alongside Mitch Corney and Dom Ryan and with James Watson and Will Johnson away at a wedding (Not to each other), Pedro Gray committing the cardinal sin of holidaying in rugby season our small squad is in for another test with 41 lads not available and 8 lads bringing back memories of my old dating days but not responding at all!!

Ashingtons results have been positive, especially at their home ground where they are undefeated so far this term their only defeats coming away at Ryton and Bishop Auckland. We are certainly expecting a tough afternoon as always with Welfare park proving an unhappy hunting ground for us in the past. They also have a strong social media game, so we are expecting some good banter from them leading up to the game. Amongst their number 2 former Sedgie players in Sean Swallow and Paul Howie so it will be good to see some old friends as well.

Still, we can name a very capable squad with potential to get something out of the game if we play as I know we can.

We also hope to get our Saxons out for another toughie away at Northallerton, team news for them will also follow!

Bobby Blackburn is drafted in following injuries to Tom Ducker and Michael Bishop, Seb Wilkins hooks and Dan Lawson completes the front row, James Sleight gets a start alongside Andy Broere in the 2nd row. The back row sees Michael Reilly come into the back row and Charlie Johnson and Paul McCormack complete the pack.

Our backline sees Nathan Waterhouse continue at scrum half, in form Gaz Pratt at fly half. Phil Dawson and Sam King are a powerful centre combo while wings John Pope and Ryan Towler with Danny Wolfe at full back.

The bench sees Lee Keillor Chris Dawson and Duncan Johnston return from various absences.

Hopefully some good rugby on show and we can bring some points back from Northumberland!