THERE is a new face in the Westoe squad which travels to Hull Ionians tomorrow for what is certain to be a rugged pre-season practice match.
Sam Fairbank has been recruited from Driffield, and while his speed on the wing makes him a welcome addition to the Wood Terrace scene, his skill as a place kicker could prove an invaluable bonus.
This is a crucial aspect of the game, in which th
e Beacon Electrical (NE) Ltd-sponsored Shieldsmen have fared poorly in the prolonged absences during the past two seasons of Paul Hagan, whose oil rig employment is expected to henceforth rule him out of First XV contention.
Indeed, there are those who assert that this deficiency may well have robbed Gareth Nesbit's side of promotion from North One into the realms of the national game, which they will strive to achieve this campaign.
Fairbank, who impressed with his performances for Driffield in hard-fought clashes with Westoe three years ago when the Shieldsmen won promotion as champions from North Two (East), has moved to Newcastle to study at university.
Vice-chairman and team manager Duncan Murray said: "He was also impressed by what he saw of us and the set-up we have at Wood Terrace and wants to be part of it.
"For our part, we are delighted to have him on board."
It is expected that there will be two other arrivals – both from abroad – before the league programme begins at Liverpool St Helens on September 8, but for the moment details are veiled.
The senior squad which makes the trip to Humberside comprises, Fairbank apart, of Raymie Elliott, Peter Tennet, Nigel Douglas, Rob Lamb, James Cookson, Paul Bird, Mickey Holland, Ryan Foster, Richie Schofield, David Bowyer, Jonathon Okwe-Pearson, John McFarlane, James Fitzpatrick, Graeme Haswell, Graeme Smith, Paul Alexander, Johan Saaiman and brothers Mark and Craig Olugbode.
They will be bolstered by five youngsters who progressed well with the newly-formed Colts last season and who could find it something of a baptism of fire.
For although billed as a "friendly", it is likely to be anything but, with National Three (North) side Ionians not wanting to yield to visitors a stratum below them, who will themselves be straining to present their own national credentials.
The team coach leave the clubhouse at 9.30am for a 2pm kick-off.
Missing will be captain Nesbit, Jacques Prins and David Haswell, who are abroad on holiday, Matty Muchall, on cricketing duty for South Shields, Ben Mason, still nursing a shoulder injury from last season, and versatile back Vinny Bell, whose offshore job is also likely to preclude him from future selection.
Newcastle Falcons duo Ian Peel and Joe Shaw put the squad through its paces in a testing workout at Kingston Park this week, to cap a rigorous training build-up from mid-summer under the scrutiny of Richard Arnold, who is spending a fourth season as coach at Wood Terrace.
Murray said: "The boys are in fine trim and raring to go with all sights set on promotion."
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