South Shields gunning for title-winning victory

South Shields can crown their remarkable Durham/Northumberland Three campaign by claiming the title at Kingston Park tonight.
South Shields Martin Bengston in action.South Shields Martin Bengston in action.
South Shields Martin Bengston in action.

Shields travel to the home of the Newcastle Falcons to take on Prudhoe & Stocksfield, knowing a victory guarantees them the league title.

The two sides last meet back in September when Shields secured an opening day 33-19 bonus-point victory.

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On that day, Prudhoe & Stocksfield were a very tough outfit with some outstanding individuals and Shields know that their opponents aren’t a team to be taken lightly.

Despite currently sitting eighth in the table, Prudhoe & Stocksfield come off the back of a decent run of form, winning three of their last four games.

South Shields themselves are in good form, losing only once in their last 17 league games.

That form has moved the club with three points of securing the league crown.

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The pack will remain unchanged from last weekend’s impressive victory over West Hartlepool TDSOB.

Matty Stephenson captains the side and is joined by Kristian Summerside and Jonathan Walker.

Matt Bengston and Daniel McKay start, while Alex Wylie, Martin Bengston and Mark Tallintire complete the forwards.

Clayton Fox, Oli Tucker and Felix Nellen are unavailable.

Gareth Carey comes in at fly-half and Jared Deacon moves to No9. Daniel Whitelaw and Conor Deacon start in the centres while Isaac Gardner and Deacon Wallace start on the wings. James Pocklington could come in for Jonah Mcintyre, if passed fit, with Liam Newall standing by.

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Shields have named a strong bench with Matty Thornton, James Long, Ian Arkley, Liam Newall and Micky Robinson taking the spots. Grant Borrill, Joe Gardner and Kyran Pattinson have been named as travelling reserves.

The game kicks off at 7.30pm on the main pitch at Kingston Park Stadium (NE13 8AF).

South Shields Mariners are in action tomorrow in their final league match of the season as Houghton Boars are the visitors to Brinkburn (3pm).