KEY MEN RETURN FOR CLASH AGAINST RYTON
VICTORY, ARROWSMITH AND EDMUNDSON BACK FOR SUNDERLAND
Sunderland welcome back key players as they head to Ryton on Saturday, aiming to build on a rich vein of form.
Fresh from their home 23-14 win against Winlaton Vulcans in front of Durham County RFU President Dave Sawyer, the first XV welcome back pack stalwarts Luke Victory, captain Joe ArrowsmithandGrantEdmundson for their league clash.
Ryton, who lost in the Durham County Cup final to Sunderland, lie in 11th place in Durham and Northumberland Two, 20 points behind third-placed Sunderland with just one win in the last five outings.
Sunderland chairman Paul Geehan said: “We have numbers back at the weekend, plus young players who are really making their mark.
“On Saturday, the team never gave up even after going behind.
“They kept their discipline, conceding just five penalties to Winlaton’s 27, which was fantastic.
“Obviously there may be changes this weekend, as players are coming back into contention, but the real plus is how the team are playing the game, with strength and speed.
“Thisimpressedthecounty president who commented on how well we are doing bringing players through. Of the squad who played against Winlaton, only four didn’t go come through our mini and junior system. We are proud of that.”
Geehan singled out colt and teenage lock forward Brad Wall for particular praise. “He did exceptionally well.”
Fly half Marc Edmundson is a doubt, following eight stitches to an eye injury, sustained during a clash of heads.
Geehan added: “Hopefully our form will continue against Ryton, who, in the past, have been a bit of a bogey team for us.”
Sunderland second XV take on Blaydon Bricks at Ashbrooke.
Meanwhile, Sunderland Under-16s host Westoe at Ashbrooke on Sunday, in the Durham County Plate (11am).
Sunderland Under-15s are at home to Durham City in the quarter-final of the Durham County Cup at The Limes (11am).