Sunderland make return to action in County final
After a two season wait, Sunderland RFC finally run out in their deferred Durham County Junior Cup final against Winlaton Vulcans at Gateshead today (3pm KO).
The Ashbrooke side are brimming with confidence after a strong pre-season including victories over Bishop Auckland, Darlington and Durham City XVs, and feature a youthful side - almost entirely a product of the club's junior rugby setup.
Newly-promoted Sunderland hope to use the cup final as a springboard to their campaign in Durham and Northumberland Division One, which kicks off on Saturday, September 4 away to Cumbrian outfit Aspatria, followed by their first home game against Medicals on Saturday, September 11.
Picking from strength, Sunderland will, however, be without talismanic full back Leon Ryan, likely to be out for at least the first half of the season following an ankle fracture.
Sunderland chairman Paul Geehan said: "It's great to have a little normality back around the club.
"The players are well up for the game, they can't wait to get back to what will be the first, real competitive fixture in 18 months, and selecting the side has presented a headache for the coaches, particularly given the calibre of player now in the club."
Senior coach Martin Watt added: "We have had some decent results in pre-season, some new signings and the continued emergence of young players coming through the club's youth system, which adds depth to a maturing squad. There is lots to be positive about."