Match Preview

Hartlepool Rovers return to league action after the Festive Break when South Shields Westoe visit the New Friarage on Saturday (kick off 2.15pm).

The last two fixtures for the Whites have both been derby matches and both ended in defeats: 29-0 at Horden and 19-8 at home to West Hartlepool on Boxing Day.

Both scorelines were harsh on Rovers who more than matched the opposition in the matches but unless chances are both created, as they were, and taken, which they weren’t, then it’s hard to win a game of rugby.

The Friaragemen have the chance to put a 48-12 loss at Westoe last September behind them and give themselves a chance of closing the gap on the leading pack in the table. Rovers dropped a place to Horden after the loss there and so a return to winning ways is needed.

Injury and unavailability continue to hinder player-coach Steve Smith’s selection options and he, once again, has named himself to start at loosehead.

There is a return to action after a fair few seasons for Paul Kirton who is named on the bench.

Rovers: M Railton, Hodgson, S Railton, Church, O’Callaghan, Fawcett, Stephenson, S Smith, Pinchen, Lloyd, Langley, Little, Charters, Wood, Whitehead (c). Subs: D Smith, R Clayton, Kirton