ASHBROOKE HOSTS BIG DOUBLE HEADER
WOMEN’S MATCH WILL FOLLOW MEN’S CLASH AS SUNDERLAND SHOWCASE CITY RUGBY
Sunderland host a historic double header this weekend when both the men’s and women’s team play back-toback league games at Ashbrooke.
The high-flying men are keen to extend their unbeaten run against visitors Darlington, while the Flames, recent county cup winners, also face off against Darlington’s women’s team.
Sunderland men kick off the action at 2pm. They are sitting in fourth position in Durham and Northumberland Two, with four wins out of five against ninth-placed Darlington.
Chairman Paul Geehan hailed the match as a chance to showcase rugby in the city.
“It was an idea really to promote rugby in the city, get a decent crowd down to Ashbrooke and really celebrate the sport.
“It also gives the girls a game on a Saturday, which will encourage the teams to bond, support each other and build on our “one club” ethos.
“It will be good for the club and for the sport in general.”
Both teams are selecting from strength with no notable injuries likely to impact on election for the big game.
The Flames will follow at 3.30pm in their Women’s Championship North 2 game against basement club Darlington.
Meanwhile, the women are hoping to secure the signing of England Under-18 forward, Peterlee-based Ellie Pigford.
Geehan continued: “She is playing for us at the moment as a guest and, although it is early days, it is something we are hopeful of.”
Sunderland Under15s are through to the next round of the Durham County Cup following their 38-27 home win over Consett.
Try scorers included Gabriel Turnbull, Ethan Marrs, Dylan Palfreyman, Vincent Hessel and Josh Jobling.
Ambitious Sunderland College are holding an open day for Year 11s and Year 10s for their proposed Rugby Development Centre on Thursday, October 25, from 10am to 2pm at the Sports Academy at Bede Campus.
The training and information event is open to all potential applicants, in a programme linking up with the college’s other institution Hartlepool Sixth Form Centre - a highly successful rugby set-up.