No place like home as side relishing Ashbrooke return

Sunderland are relishing their first “home” game of the season, by extending their winning streak at Ashbrooke.

With two wins on the bounce, the 1st XV return to West Lawn to face a physical Ashington side in Durham and Northumberland Two, kick off 3pm.

Sunderland chairman Paul Geehan said: “Ashington have had at least one good result and they will be a strong, physical side with some young lads coming through – it should be a good game.

“Luke Victory comes into contention in the second row with Luke Robinson pushing for a back row berth.

“The team shouldn’t be too dissimilar from last week and we are looking to return to Ashbrooke with a win at home.”

With no 2nd XV game, the club’s 3rd XV have their first fixture away to West End of Newcastle.

Meanwhile, the women’s side are aiming to rearrange their home North Two championship match against Birkenhead Panthers, who cried off last weekend, to this Sunday.

They will be rubbing shoulders with two mystery Newcastle Falcons players who are hosting Sunderland’s player blitz, a chance for the club’s mini and junior players to meet some of their pro heroes, from 10am.

Sunderland’s U15 side led their away match to Darlington until the eighth minute of time added on.

After conceding their fifth consecutive penalty, the youngsters failed to put down Darlington’s centre who crashed through under the posts, before the referee blew for full time, to see the home side win 15-12.

Sunderland had led after Centre Vincent Hessel had converted his own try and number eight Adam Williams touched down from a scrum.

But a defiant Darlington hit back to score twice, the penultimate score after Sunderland stand off Chris Rochelle received treatment for a head injury.

With the clock still ticking and Sunderland unable to get out of their own 22, Sunderland defended doggedly, but an inexplicable penalty count cost them in the end.