Match Preview

Hartlepool Rovers are in derby action on Saturday when Horden and Peterlee visit the New Friarage (kick off 3pm).

Both clubs had losing starts to the league season last week with Horden coming unstuck 47-20 at home to relegated Durham City whilst, at the same time, Rovers were going down 21-8 at promoted Redcar.

The Whites’ coaches, players and supporters were collectively disappointed by the display at Mackinlay Park which was way below expectation, especially after a good run of friendly performances and results.

Although it is still early days, both teams will be desperate to get off the mark and, whilst Horden did the double over the Friaragemen last season, with it still being early in the season and with home advantage Rovers will probably start as slight favourites.

The team and bench selected shows a few changes from last week’s squad.

Gavin Robinson makes his full Rovers’ debut and there is a comeback from injury in the centre partnership for Jack Gunn and Michael Railton who was on top form for the Heughers last Saturday starts on the wing.

In the pack Ian Flounders is at loosehead with Danny Cookland hooking and Anthony Hanley partners Dylan Langley in the second row. Tyrone Church starts at openside after a substitute appearance at Redcar and Andrew Dring moves to number eight.

Skipper Callum Whitehead returns from suspension and is named on the bench.

Rovers: Rochester, M Railton, Gunn, Robinson, Harrison, Fawcett, Pelser, I Flounders, Cookland, Lloyd, Langley, Hanley, Church, Wood, Dring (c). Subs: Whitehead, Maguire, Barnfield

Preview by Ian Kelly