Sunderland hoping to avoid another Saturday washout
Sunderland hope to get last week's cancelled game against Bishop Auckland back on track on Saturday with a 2pm kick-off.
The club's fixtures were all washed out last week and the Ashbrooke club, riding high in second place, now face a late pitch inspection to ensure the Durham and Northumberland Two fixture is ready to go ahead.
The rainfall could inevitably force a fixture pile-up which will cause midweek games or games moved to neighbouring all-weather pitches, at Washington or Billingham.
Chairman Paul Geehan said: "There is a lack of affordable indoor training facilities and only football being catered for, with the football hubs near completion.
“Rugby in Sunderland has had a massive influence on young people's lives.
“From the two World Wars and upto the present day, it shows why we are such a great sport. We are hoping Saturday's fixture is able to go ahead, particularly as we head into Christmas."
Geehan added: "Matches against Bishop have always been tough games and physical but as Sunderland forwards are growing in confidence and backs that light up the field Sunderland are confident for the game."
Elsewhere on Sunday, Sunderland Colts are away to Hartlepool, the U16s away to Houghton, the U15s away to Darlington Mowden Park, the U15s home to West Hartlepool, with the minis hosting Peterlee and Horden.
*Newcastle Falcons are handing debuts to Philip van der Walt and Cooper Vuna in tonight’s Championship Cup home game against Hartpury.
South African back-rower Van der Walt joined from
South African Super Rugby side the Sharks in the summer but has spent the past few months overcoming shoulder surgery, while Tongan wing Vuna lines up after representing his country at the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Centre Gareth Owen makes his first start after scoring on his debut from the bench last time out against Coventry, Sonatane Takulua making his first start of the campaign.
USA lock Greg Peterson starts for the first time since his summer switch from Bordeaux.