Its on weekends like this that club history is made, legends are written and heroes are born. I was unfortunate enough to be in the US several years ago when we got our promotion from DN1 into NE1 and I can assure you it was not where I wanted to be. I never expected to be in the same position again, but here I am. As a club we play many important games at all age groups over a weekend and throughout the season, but this Saturday we play two massive, senior games.

Our club is built on a foundation of young players coming through our Youth section, but when it comes down to it, our club is ultimately measured by the level in which our senior side plays. We have proven we are more than capable of competing at National Level 3, but tomorrow we have to prove we deserve to remain here. We are within 1 point of relegation and we cannot afford to make a mistake. We have 3 tough games to go but tomorrow we need to show Bradford and Bingley that we deserve our position in this league and we need to show Bradford and Bingley we deserve that position over them! We need to win, win well and send them home to Bingley battered, bruised and staring relegation firmly in the face. We need to remind them that they may get away with injustices on their own turf, but not on ours, not on our pitch and not on our players! Guys, time to stand tall and send them home and remind them we are National 3 and deserve to be.

Then we have the 2nd team! In the 2nd team Cup Final against a National 1 side and the top team in Durham; Blaydon. The Lions have confounded their supporters all season; winning well at times and losing badly on others. Their is only one common factor when they win; attitude and playing for the team aka spirit!! In recent weeks we have seen that spirit shine. West beat us in the league but when it mattered, they came back the week after for the semi-final and we played like we did against Westoe; for each other and without fear. Tomorrow is the time for the TEAM to turn up, play as one and win as one. Tomorrow is time for the Lions to roar! Its been too long since our 2nds have been in this position and tomorrow, legends are made, heroes are born and 11 years of waiting comes to an end.

To all our players and teams this weekend, enjoy and be brave.

To the 1st XV tomorrow, we need to make a statement, we are obligated to one of our own to win.

To the Lions, it is time to ROAR!