South Shields eye County Cup final spot to cap off title winning campaign

The two sides have already met twice this season with Shields running out winners on both occasions.

A 62-5 home win back in September was followed by a 66-22 win at Seaham back in January.

Triumphant Shields wrapped up the league title last Friday evening, winning in style at Kingston Park against Prudhoe and Stocksfield.

They were due to play their final league fixture of the season on Wednesday evening, however, opponents Yarm were unable to field a side, meaning Shields were awarded a 0-0 five point win.

With every negative, there brings a positive meaning the Shields players had extra time to recover from their last outing.

Seaham travel having won their last two league games with victories over West Hartlepool TDSOB and Wallsend, and will be full of confidence knowing anything can happen in a cup game.

Shields will be looking to keep their 100% home record with a victory as the club look to book their place in the County Cup final.

The winners will play either Houghton or Seaton Carew, who contest the other semi-final, in early May.

The pack could remain unchanged, but Grant Borrill and James Long will be looking to start.

The side are still waiting on the availability of Matty Thornton, while Scott Gillies and Michael Brookes are also available.

Shields are without a whole host of backs with brothers Jared and Conor unavailable, while James Pocklington and Marcus Colborne are still missing. Isaac Gardner also misses out.

Gareth Carey is available and likely to start at fly-half while Ian Arkley and Micky Robinson could come into the starting XV. Kyran Pattinson will also be hopeful of a place in the match squad.

Kick off tomorrow is at 2.30pm at Harton Sports Centre, on the 3G pitch.