Pivotal weekend for South Shields in title race

The title can be secured for the Cleadon Club sponsored side if Shields win with a bonus point and fourth placed Blyth beat second placed Houghton.

However, focus is firmly on Shields doing their jobs and not worrying about others with the league title fully in their grasp.

Shields will look to keep a similar that brushed Chester-le-Street aside last weekend, with the pack likely to be the same or very similar, with James Long the only likely change.

With regards to the backs, Joe Gardner is available and could come back in, while the club are still waiting on James Pocklington.

The last time the two sides met, South Shields ran out 45-5 winners back in December, and a bonus-point win this time out will keep their title hopes alive.

South Shields Mariners are also in action as they travel to Lukes Lane to face Jarrovians.