The 1st XV will round off the year this Saturday at home in a mouth watering "top of the table" battle. Dearne currently sit top of the Yorkshire Counties 4 South division, ahead of Sheffield Medics by six points having played one more game than their opponents. Medics are the only team to have beaten Dearne so far this season with a 47-8 victory back in October, with the home side determined to get their revenge in tomorrows fixture.

"That defeat back in October really hurt us, more so because we just didn't turn up and from the warm up all the way through to the final whistle it just went from bad to worse" said Director of Rugby Callum Emery. "Credit to Medics, they are a top side who were in Yorkshire Two not that long ago, so if you have an off day like we did they will take full advantage."

When it came to team selection for this weekends fixture, there were plenty of heated exchanges between coaches at their selection meeting! "Competition for places is at an all time high, with lads in great form who have done this team proud over the last few months as well as new signings finding their feet and old faces returning to full fitness" said Callum. He continued, "There are a selection of approximately 10 players who we could've thrown into this squad and we would've gone into the game just as confident and happy with the team. Some positions literally came down to the toss of the coin, that is how close competition for places is."

Ben Hartley will continue as team captain this weekend, and alongside him as "co-captain" will be second rower Callum Young. "We lost to Medics just before the October break, and we said that we wanted to utilise that break and fix our mistakes so we hit the ground running and finished the year stronger" said Ben. "Since the October break, we have won every game and claimed a total of 19 points from the 20 available. So I think you could say the boys have achieved what they set out to do." Speaking ahead of this weekends clash, co-captain Callum Young explained what the feelings are like in camp at this moment in time. "Momentum has been building, we've won our last four games and played some of our best Rugby in patches. This weekend, in front of our home crowd, in the final game of 2024 against our closest rivals gives us the perfect platform to go out there and put on a show. We want to do the club and the jersey proud."

A lot of the team is unchanged from last weekends victory against Knottingley, with Bailey Woods joining hooker Daniel Cribbis and prop Ant Hamilton in the front row. The only change in the backline is a straight swap on the left wing with the returning Jacob Mangham taking place for the unavailable Sam Holt. Jack Duggan continues on the right wing with Sam Oxley at full back whilst Ben Hartley and Steve Mason continue their partnership in the midfield.

Alex Roebuck and Stephen Shaw continue their partnership at half back, however it is in the "engine room" where Dearne have made a tactical change for this game. "Medics are an incredibly energetic team, probably the fittest in the league and they utilise that in the way they play so we wanted to tweak our second row and back row slightly in order to counteract that" said Callum. Todd Bailey joins Callum Young in the second row, with Kyle Finan making his second appearance for the club at blindside flanker. Corey Cox returns from a shoulder injury to take the number 7shirt and Arron Kite will continue his impressive run at number 8.

On the bench, Dearne have again made a change outside of their norm as they go for a 4-1 forwards/backs split rather than their usual 3-2. "I'm obviously not going to dive into the exact reasons why, but we feel Medics have a specific weakness and our game plan will look to take advantage of that this weekend so the finishers on the bench will have a really important role to play" said Callum. Alex Baxter provides front row cover, and is joined by the energetic Luke Christmas. John Williams provides cover for the second row, and the returning Charles Higgins will be looking to make an impact having returned to the club following a brief spell in South America. Brad Parker takes up the final spot on the replacements bench and will be looking to make his mark when called upon.

"I've never seen the boys so excited and so well prepared" said team captain Ben Hartley. "Tuesdays training session was an absolute blast and you could tell this week has a bit of an extra feel to it, so we can't wait to get out there and hope our loyal supporters come and join us as the 16th man."

Kick off is slightly earlier than usual at 2pm, with The Doghouse open from mid-day. The post-match function will coincide with the clubs annual Christmas social, also known as "Elf Night". Players, staff, and supporters from both Dearne Valley RUFC and Dearne Valley Bulldogs ARLFC will be coming together to sign off 2024 with a bang. Why not join us?

STARTING XV
1. Bailey Woods
2. Daniel Cribbis
3. Ant Hamilton
4. Callum Young (Co-Captain)
5. Todd Bailey
6. Kyle Finan
7. Corey Cox
8. Arron Kite
9. Alex Roebuck
10. Stephen Shaw
11. Jacob Mangham
12. Ben Hartley (Co-Captain)
13. Steve Mason
14. Jack Duggan
15. Sam Oxley

FINISHERS
16. Alex Baxter
17. Luke Christmas
18. John Williams
19. Charles Higgins
20. Brad Parker