Wilson aims to make Mark in derby encounter

Feb 28 2010 by Nick Purewal, Sunday Sun

BULLISH Blaydon back-rower Mark Wilson believes the Swalwell men must produce 80 power-packed minutes to dispatch Tynedale at Crow Trees today.

The North East’s top rugby derby takes place this afternoon (kick-off 2pm) after Tynedale had three stars in England Counties action on Friday night against Irish Clubs at Stourbridge.

Falcons and Northumbria University man Wilson turned out for England Students alongside Blaydon clubmate Andrew Archibald on Friday night too, with that pair joining Tynedale’s Counties trio Johnny Williams, Joe Graham and Jack Harrison on the doubtful list.

All five players from both teams have been given as long as possible to recover from their respective Friday night exploits, but Blaydon boss Tom Rock and Tynedale head coach Tom Borthwick both want their stars in National One action today.

The keenly-anticipated grudge match takes on extra spice after Blaydon humbled Tynedale 28-22 in Corbridge back in October – the final score might have been close, but the visitors had the game in the bag after an hour.

Despite the result Wilson’s men still slipped off the pace towards the death, and the former Kendal 20-year-old admitted his men must sustain their high-tempo gameplan for the whole contest if they are to secure a bragging rights-hogging double over their fierce local rivals.

Rugby director Rock has assembled a dangerous squad and at times this season Blaydon have offered eye-catching and deadly performances, but Wilson admitted there has also been too much inconsistency.