Match Preview: Hartlepool Rovers vs Ashington RFC
Durham & Northumberland Division 2 – Saturday 29th November
Kick-off: 2:00 PM | Venue: Ashington RFC

Hartlepool Rovers make the long trip north this Saturday to face Ashington in what promises to be a fiercely contested Durham & Northumberland Division 2 clash. The game kicks off at 2:00 PM, with the ever-popular fun bus leaving West View Road at 11:15 AM – seats are still available for £15, including a stop-off on the way back to Hartlepool.

Rovers head into the fixture buoyed by last weekend’s hard-fought victory over Rockcliff, a result that showcased their resilience and attacking flair. That win will give the White Shirts confidence, but they know Ashington will be a tough nut to crack on home soil.

Ashington are a strong side in the division, particularly at home where they rarely give visiting teams an easy ride. They currently sit 5th in the table and only 7 points behind Rovers. Expect a physical pack, a well-drilled defence, and plenty of energy from the home support.

Team News for Rovers
There are several changes for Rovers this week:
- Debut Alert: Lee Clayton makes his first appearance after joining from Hartlepool BBOB. Clayton impressed as man of the match for the Heughers last week and steps in for the unavailable Pinched.
- Front Row Shuffle: Josh Healey moves to hooker in place of Maguire.
- Second Row Partnership: Billy Lloyd partners Josh Wilson, bringing power and stability.
- Back Row Balance: Line-out specialist Pat O’Callaghan starts at No. 8, with Ben Glaister-Smith returning at flanker.
- Backline Adjustments: Both Barnfields miss out through injury, so Dazz Fawcett slots in at fly-half while talismanic skipper Jack Gunn moves to inside centre. Try machine James Keers shifts to outside centre, and experienced second-team captain Stephen Railton takes a spot on the wing.
- Bench Impact: Jamie Evans and Ethan Dodge provide cover, alongside Matthew Stephenson, who makes a welcome return to first-team action.

Kick-off is at 2:00 PM, and the fun bus departs the club at 11:15 AM. Seats are still available for £15, and there’s a planned stop-off on the return journey.

This promises to be an exciting encounter between two sides eager to show what they can do. Can Rovers build on last week’s win and upset Ashington at home? Join us for what should be a cracking afternoon of rugby!