The win against Sheffield Medics back on the 14th December seems years long gone in the memory due to the length of the break Dearne have had in the league since then. A free weekend, followed by the annual two week christmas shutdown, followed by a postponement against Wortley due to the weather, followed by a walkover win against Stocksbridge, followed by another free weekend means that the men in black haven't played a minute of Counties 4 action in seven weeks!

As it stands, Dearne maintain their place at the top of the league standings with a 9-point advantage over second place Sheffield Medics. Both teams have now played 12 games, with only 6 remaining for the rest of the season. "We know that every opportunity to score points will count when it comes to this promotion battle" said Director of Rugby Callum Emery. "We may have a 9 point advantage but we have some very tricky opponents still to play and when a team can get 5 points for a bonus point win, things can turn around really quickly so the team are aware of the fact there is no margin for error".

In the front row, Alex Baxter will make his first start at loosehead prop and is joined by Archie Adams who is making his first league start of the campaign. Ant Hamilton retains his jersey at tight-head and is joined by John Williams and vice-captain Todd Bailey in the engine room behind him. In the back-row there is a welcomed return for number 8 Arron Kite who hasn't played for the club since November and will be looking to continue where he left off in try scoring form. Corey Cox continues his impressive run at openside flanker and Jacob Mangham will make his first start at blindside flanker having played the majority of his rugby this season on the wing!

Alex Roebuck and Stephen Shaw continue their partnership in the half-backs and captain Ben Hartley and Steve Mason continue their impressive partnership in the midfield. Last seasons top try-scorer Sam Holt is on the left wing, with Jack Duggan on the right wing. New signing Dave Gorton, who made his debut for the club in last weeks friendly against Sheffield Oaks, will continue at full back.

On the replacements bench, Rob Moore will provide cover in the front row and Corey Hurley will provide cover in the back row. Will Hudson will be hopeful of making his first team debut and Yorkshire 4 debut for the season, and is joined by Luke Robinson, Jason Eagle, and Callum Emery as Dearne are travelling with a squad of 21 for this weekend.

"Hessle are a real tough team who we respect a lot! Maybe some results haven't gone their way this season but people would be daft to underestimate them. They have a large powerful pack and have some players in the backline who can create something for nothing so we need to be on our top form to come away with victory" said Captain Ben Hartley.

There will be a bus travelling to Hessle for all players, friends, family, and supporters who wish to come along. It will depart the club at 11:30am, arrive at Hessle approx 1pm, and will be returning back to The Doghouse by 8pm Saturday night (after the Ireland vs England game). Places are still available, please contact the club on Facebook or Instagram to reserve your seat now.

STARTING XV
1. Alex Baxter
2. Archie Adams*
3. Ant Hamilton
4. John Williams
5. Todd Bailey (VC)
6. Jacob Mangham
7. Corey Cox
8. Arron Kite
9. Alex Roebuck
10. Stephen Shaw
11. Sam Holt
12. Ben Hartley (C)
13. Steve Mason
14. Jack Duggan
15. Dave Gorton*

FINISHERS
16. Rob Moore
17. Corey Hurley
18. Jason Eagle
19. Callum Emery*
20. Luke Robinson
21. Will Hudson*

*2024-25 League Debut

KICK OFF 2:15PM @ HESSLE RUFC, LIVINGSTONE ROAD, HU13 0EG