This coming Saturday, the 1st XV host Durham City in the first home game of the new season hoping to put last weekends defeat at West Hartlepool firmly behind them. KO is at 3pm with the game being sponsored by Past Presidents, Life Members and the Management Committee at the club.

Last minute bookings for the pre-match meal can be made through Secretary Mick Ishida - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Lions meanwhile travel to Hollow Drift to take on their Durham City counterparts, KO also at 3pm.

On Sunday, the Colts are scheduled to take on local rivals Whitley Bay Rockcliff at Preston Avenue, KO 1pm.

There will, no doubt, be the usual feast of televised sport in the club bars over the weekend including Premier League football and the Women's Rugby World Cup.

Having given an update on pre-season for the senior men, it's time to turn our attention to the senior women ahead of their league campaign in NC 3 North (North), their opening game against Berwick on 21 September at Preston Avenue. Manager/Coach Mandy Wood has handed the reins on to husband Stu and I am indebted to him for this update. Pre-season is going well with Friday Night Development sessions attracting new players, those returning from injury and those who have been absent from the game. Numbers are good and the squad is working really hard to prepare for what will be a tough league season.

The aim is to hit the ground running hard in the league and keep that momentum going throughout the season to really push for promotion. The Panthers are an integral part of the Club, we wish them well.

The scheduled pre-season fixture at Boroughmuir this coming Saturday, 23 August, has been cancelled due to player availability.

The 1st XV's next game will be the opening Regional 2 North league game of the season at West Hartlepool on 6 September, KO 3pm