Rugby union: Sunderland trio to face strugglers
Sunderland are close to full strength as they return to action by hosting strugglers Novocastrians on Saturday.
The home side will aim for their sixth successive victory by welcoming Paul Tarn, Ian Dobson, Andy Hall and Pete Carter back to the fold after the firsts had no game last weekend.
Novos have only one win this season, toiling to cope with the step up in class having won a controversial promotion play off in the summer.
But with only league leaders Northern having really put them to the sword, Sunderland anticipate another tough game.
Tarn and Dobson will look to continue their good form at nine and ten and Sunderland will look to them to spark life into the back line.
Stevie Graham and Duncan French look to further develop their partnership in the centres while the Sunderland back three of Bellon, Hope and Townend will hope to continue their try scoring ways after all three scored last time out.
In the pack, Andy Hall replaces Alan Ross at prop with Ross dropping to the bench. Carter returns in the second row with John Drummond joining up with the seconds. Alongside Ross on the bench are Tony Irwin and Sam Jordan, who are both capable of making an impact when required.
Sunderland seconds entertain Carlisle and will be looking to put on a better show than last week's defeat to Gateshead.
Michael Heffenan is missing and faces a lengthy spell on the sideline after suffering a serious knee injury last week. On a positive note, Drummond will add strength and, after a welcome return to action last week, Jamie MacLennan aims to prove his fitness as he pushes for a first team recall following a lengthy injury lay off.
Buoyed by last week's excellent win over Mowden Park, Sunderland thirds hope to pick up a pool fixture before Saturday. Their side is the usual blend of youth and experience with the only changes from last week's side being Peter Groark coming in on the wing and Richie Reah at full back.
Sunderland I (home to Novocastrians, meet 12.45): Arrowsmith, Harrison, Hall, Carter, Wordsworth, Finch, Black, Watt, Tarn, Dobson, Hope, Graham, French, Bellon, Townend. Reps: Ross, Irwin, Jordan
Sunderland II (home to Carlisle, meet 12.45): Buckley, Bengochea, Geal, Drummond, Elstob, Smith, Padgett, Mackie, Bains, Tombling, Abraham, Maclennan, Simpson, Atkinson, Wilkinson. Reps: Geehan, Stormont, Hanlon, Wilson, Hadledge.
Sunderland III (game TBC, meet 12.45): Marshall, Wright, Buddington, Belfield, Turnbull, Marshall, Hurst, Green, Brace, Grainger, Hands, Simpson, Wright, Groark, Reah. Reps: Goschorn, Jackson, Edmundson, Lawson, Walton , Kyle.
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Weather for Sunderland
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South
