Buoyant Sunderland face big test at unbeaten Darlington
BOTH SIDES AT BLACKWELL MEADOWS TOMORROW HAVE PROMOTION HOPES
With back-to-back away league wins, buoyant Sunderland sit in second spot in Durham Northumberland Two – looking a firm candidate for promotion this season.
The Ashbrooke team have racked up 99 points in two games – including an impressive 66-10 away win at Whitby last week – recently relegated from DN1.
Thefeelgoodfactorcontinues to spread around the club, withthreeseniorteamstaking the field on Saturday, including the first XV – who take on an unbeaten Darlington RFC at Blackwell Meadows.
Chairman Paul Geehan said: “The new players are gelling really well and our policy of promoting youth is paying dividends, with most of our senior teams made up of lads who have graduated from the mini and junior ranks.
“To put out three teams – forthefirsttimeinmanyyears –isasignoftheculturewehave builtuparoundtheclub,thatif you’regoodenough,you’reold enough.”
Within the club, Sunderland are continued to strengthentheirpathwayprogramme, with senior players mentoring junior age groups, whiletherecruitmentofffield isfeedingintothecompetition among the senior squad.
Tomorrow, the second XV – fresh from an 116-0 league win over South
Shields - are also away at Blyth second XV. Following the excellent win against South Shields last week, the teamwillbelookingtokeepup theirfocusandgetthevictory.
Sunderland third XV take the field for a second week running. After losing to a very strong Consett team. they will be looking to put things right against a Jarrovians second XV.
The Flames do not have a fixture this week as they take a break from league action.
Sunderland Under-16s secured an emphatic 37-0 away winatHordenandPeterleeon Sunday.
Despite being at the wrong end of a high penalty count, theyoungstersweretoostrong for a physical Horden side.
Newcomer Zach Tivnen was among the scorers which also included Chris Rochelle, Jack Howell, David Matloch, Thomas Hales and Vincent Hessel. Conversions came from the boot of Rochelle and Adam Shiels.
The Under-14s overcame Houghton, while the Under15s lost 36-38 to a strong Ponteland side in the closing play of their match at Hill View.