ASHBROOKE HOPING TO RIGHT SOME WRONGS
Sunderland are lining up a home clash with rivals Houghton, aiming to take the honours in a match set to be a test of character for the young side.
Players held a behindclosed-doors meeting after their lacklustre display in defeat away to Redcar last Saturday.
And coaches hope tomorrow’s Durham and Northumberland Two derby at Ashbrooke (3pm KO) will prove the launch pad for their season ending run in.
The match sees two founder members of the socalled Bensham Club – the first five clubs in Durham County – continue their historic rivalry.
Chairman Paul Geehan said: “The coaches are looking for a response after last week’s game, particularly after the players held a closed meeting to discuss what they need to put it right – starting with Houghton.
“We will be trying to get the five points and we have the players to do that, as we are, more or less, picking from the same team as last week.
“Both of our senior teams are fielding 18 players between them that came up from the mini and junior ranks, which is great for us and the progress of the club.
“Realistically, they are getting the experience which we can build on for next season.
“We will aim to stay as close as we can to North Shields, leaving us in third spot.
“Next season will be a real opportunity to push on. There is nothing coming up or down from the leagues above that should worry us.”
A sluggish Sunderland Under-15s lost 19-15 away to Gateshead, after saving their best spell for the final 10 minutes.
Despite numerous opportunities to score, the U15s were undone by the home side, after committing numerous handling errors.
Zak Kennedy bagged a late hat-trick in last Sunday’s match, but Gateshead’s accuracy from the kicking tee proved the difference.
Four SunderlandU15s have been selected as part of Durham County’s squad for forthcoming matches v Northumberland and Cumbria. Vincent Hessel (centre), Josh Jobling (centre/backrow), David Matlock (prop/ hooker) and James May (full back) are in the squad after impressing selectors.