Sunderland fired up to seal victory hat-trick

(home), the Wearsiders are confident of making a hat-trick against the ninth-placed Bishops at Ashbrooke (2.15pm kickoff ).

Chairman Paul Geehan said: “We are looking forward to the visit of Bishop Auckland with anticipation and expect a closely contested match.

“However, wehope that our recent good form continues in what is sure to be an entertaining fixture.”

Just three points separates the two sides in the league.

Sunderland’s women’s team, the Flames, lost 58-0 away to Barnsley on Sunday, while the bad weather forced off all of the scheduled junior matches.

Seaham look to carry on their winning form in Durham/Northumberland Three when they entertain Seaton Carew at Lord Byron’s Walk on Saturday (2.15pm).

(from): Scott Pattison, Jack Adamson (vice-captain), Mark Fraser, Gary Lynn, Stu Tisseman, Glen Hardie, Chris Bland, Kes Steel, Nathan Rich, Kurt Miller (vice-captain), John Dixon (captain), John Featherstone, Dave Bainbridge, Stephen Noble, Elliot Pratt, Ben Wood, Andrew Short, Alex Barker, Brad Robinson, Brad Smith, John Dye, Matt Fisher, Dugard Donachie.

Houghton, with eight wins out of nine so far, are at home to Wallsend (2.15pm) as they look to maintain second place in Durham/Northumberland Three.

Sunderland’s Development Third XV (hoops) battle against Seaham at Stannington Grove last week. Seaham won 27-10. Picture by Kevin Brady.