Hartlepool Rovers welcome Redcar RFC to The New Friarage tomorrow afternoon for their second Counties 2 Durham & Northumberland fixture of the season. Both sides made strong starts last weekend, with Rovers edging past North Shields in a gritty away performance and Redcar securing a close home win.

Rovers’ front row caused all sorts of problems for North Shields, dominating the scrum and laying a solid platform for the backs to build from. Despite the win, the lineout was an area that struggled, and Head Coach Darren Smith has responded by bringing in two lineout specialists—Josh Wilson and Craig Vincent—to strengthen that department. They replace Jacob Cairns and Darren Smith respectively, while James Keers comes in on the wing for Frank Coulson.

The rest of the pack remains largely unchanged, with the same front row retained after last week’s powerful showing. In the backs, Alex Rochester moves to fly-half, allowing Cam Lithgo to slot into his preferred inside centre role. Steven Barnfield covers outside centre and will also provide lineout support when needed. The back three of Trimble, Keers, and Harrison offers genuine pace and attacking threat, giving Rovers plenty of firepower out wide.

Unfortunately, the second team fixture has been postponed due to a number of unavailabilities from work and holidays. This match has been rescheduled for Saturday 27th September.

Tomorrow’s match will also carry added significance, as the club pays tribute to Phil Mitchell following his untimely passing. As agreed with Phil’s family, there will be a minute’s applause before kick-off to honour his memory.

We’re also grateful to tomorrow’s match day sponsors—the Friends and Family of Gary Gray—who are supporting the fixture in loving memory of Gary.

Supporters are reminded that our new coffee machine is now up and running inside the clubhouse. So whether you're enjoying a pint or fancy something warm, be sure to give it a try.

With home comforts and a passionate crowd behind them, Rovers will be aiming to make The New Friarage a tough place for any visiting side.