Sunderland boosted by return of key players for Shields tie

Sunderland head into 2019 aiming to bag a bonus-point win against a struggling South Shields on Saturday (ko 2.15pm).

Shields, mired in 12th place in Durham and Northumberland Two, are winless in their last five games and face a buoyant Ashbrooke outfit on home turf.

The fourth placed Wearsiders are selecting from strength and welcome back a number of key players, including captain and open side flanker Joe Arrowsmith, but must go without Joe Buckley and Fraser Adamson.

Sunderland chairman Paul Geehan said, “We are looking to pick up where we left off last year and start positively. While there hasnt been any training on recently, everyone is back, fit and well. There are difficult choices to make in selection and a lot of competition for places.”

With the vast majority of players the product of the club’s mini and junior system, Geehan hailed the continued impact of the the senior squad’s younger players.

Returning fron a wrist injury, back Dean Edmundson has now been selected for Durham Coubty U20’s.

Geehan added, “South Shields have been struggling so realistically we are looking to pick up 5 points from the game.”

The 2nd XV travel to face Hartlepool RFC, whike on Sunday Sunderland’s Ladies team, the Flames host Southport Ladies at Ashbrooke (ko 2pm).