Dearne Valley RUFC have named their team for this weekends upcoming Yorkshire Counties 4 fixture against Stocksbridge, at Coal Pit Lane. Dearne ran out comfortable winners when the teams met for the first time back in September, the final score 78-7. However, Stocksbridge have since put together some really impressive performances and victories against strong opposition. Most notable of them all was last weekends victory over Sheffield Medics which cemented Dearne Valley's position back at the top of the league table.

"Not a single player at this club, or member of staff, are expecting this to be an easy game" said Director of Rugby Callum Emery. "We have been very clear of the need to push the thought of our victory against them in September to the back of our mind, and there is no room for complacency." He continued, "it is clear that Stocksbridge have improved as the season has gone on and with impressive victories against Hessle and Sheff Medics, we know tomorrows game will be a real tough challenge and we will need to be at our best if we want to come away with victory".

Jonny Horrobin, making his first league appearance since his red card against Hessle in September, starts at loose-head prop and is joined by Daniel Cribbis who is making his first start at Hooker. Ant Hamilton, absent last week against Maltby, returns to the tight-head position. The second row is unchanged from last week after strong performances from Callum Young and John Williams. Club captain Andrew Thorpe returns to the side for his first appearance in the 1st XV since September and Corey Cox continues his impressive spell at open side. Arron Kite will retain the number 8 shirt after a dominant display against Maltby last weekend and looks to have returned to full fitness following an ankle injury in September against Stocksbridge.

Alex Roebuck has unfortunately not made the 7-day turnaround following an ankle injury against Maltby last weekend so Brad Parker is in line to make his first start at scrum-half for the club following a strong showing from the bench last weekend. Stephen Shaw, last weeks Man of The Match, continues his run in the number 10 jersey whilst duo Ben Hartley and Steve Mason will continue to build their relationship in the centres. Sam Holt will be wearing the familiar left wing jersey following his long awaited return last weekend and Jacob Mangham and Jack Duggan join him once again to complete the back three.

On the bench, Rob Moore and Luke Christmas complete the front row replacements whilst new signing Dale Hobson is in line to make his debut for the club. Jason Eagle, a popular member amongst our sister club Dearne Valley Bulldogs ARLFC, will be hoping to make his debut for the 1st team and Luke Robinson completes the lineup as the 20th man.

STARTING XV
1. Jonny Horrobin
2. Daniel Cribbis
3. Ant Hamilton
4. Callum Young
5. John Williams
6. Andrew Thorpe (VC)
7. Corey Cox
8. Arron Kite
9. Brad Parker
10. Stephen Shaw
11. Sam Holt
12. Ben Hartley (C)
13. Steve Mason
14. Jacob Mangham
15. Jack Duggan

FINISHERS
16. Rob Moore
17. Luke Christmas
18. Dale Hobson*
19. Jason Eagle*
20. Luke Robinson

* 1st XV League Debutant