A Brace of Wilkinsons

By Ridley
September 26 2002

Mark Wilkinson is in the Falcons side for the must win game against Leeds Tykes on Sunday at KP [Kick off 2.30]. It'll be the first time he plays alongside little Jonny in the Premiership and its some game to come into. MW will be at centre as Jamie Noon moves wide to replace Stevo.

The 24 year old was with Mowden Park in National Three last season and, to be honest, was not an automatic selection.

But he has apparently been working his socks off in training, and looking the part, so this is his big chance. If genetics have anything to do with it he should do rather well!

But it is far from an ideal in which to blood a new player. Tykes have invested wisely over the summer, and have got off to a great start, while we have shipped out a boatload of experienced pros and are not doing very well, so far.

It also looks like we will be without Epi who has stretched some knee ligaments, so Dunbar and Devonshire will be lining up alongside Arnie. Vyvyan will be missing as he wipes the slate clean for his yellow cards. Big Craig Hamilton replaces him and won't let anybody down.

The only position which seems to be rotated these days is scrum half with Hall Charlton getting the start this week.

Falcons: Botham, Shaw, M Wilkinson, May, Noon, J Wilkinson, Charlton, Peel, Brotherstone, Ward, Grimes, Hamilton, Dunbar, Devonshire, Arnold.