Campus clash takes the field; University sides set for Titanic struggle.

NORTHUMBRIA University can expect a bruising test of their credentials against bitter rivals Newcastle tonight in what is always one of the most explosive fixtures of the college season.

The Poly host the Posh - coached by Newcastle Falcons' Micky Ward - at their new Kingston Park home in front of an expected 3,000-plus crowd in rugby's 2009 Clash Of The Titans. Newcastle skipper Harrison Pickervance has thrown down the gauntlet after insisting his men are steeled for a physical affair.

The third year agricultural student from Blackpool said: "It will be brutal up front. It always is.

"We are ready for a fight and the stronger side will win what is one of the biggest rugby games of our season."

Northumbria will rely on the prompting of former Newcastle Falcon Richard Arnold as they bid to build on last season's hat-trick of wins against their rivals.

The confident Kiwi added: "As always my lads are up for it.

"This match means a lot to them and all of the Northumbria University staff and students up in the stands. It will be a cracking game."

Arnold's skipper, 24-year-old Sports Science student Thomas Lavelle, agrees with opposite number Pickervance when it comes to the nature of a traditionally bruising showdown. He said: "I don't think anyone expects there will be a lot of good rugby played.

It is a fiercely contested derby where nerves play a huge part. It will be very physical and very challenging, but we are up for the fight."

Tickets are on sale on the gate ahead of the 7.45 kick-off.

Meanwhile, Team Northumbria again took the points in the Durham and Northumberland League's first division after another clash with their old rivals Hartlepool - but not in the way they had expected.

After arriving at Bullocksteads with no front row cover, Hartlepool were effectively forced to forfeit the match and play the whole game with uncontested scrums - a rule which cost them the D and Northumberland League Two title earlier this year.

An excellent performance from Tom Robinson helped the scoreline along as the TN second row romped to one of the many superbly-taken tries.

Head coach Richard Arnold was happy with the default victory - despite the win going down as 0-0 on the official scorecard.

He said: "It was not the ideal way to win the points obviously.

"When we got there we realised it was just going to be a matter of going through the motions which was a little disappointing.

"However, as long as we keep up the pressure on the league leaders in our next few games then that is OK."

WITH unbeaten leaders Newcastle Development sidelined, second-placed St Cuthbert's closed the game at the top of the North East Universities Saturday League.

St Cuthbert's were 30-12 winners at Durham Freshers and this weekend entertain Tynedale Colts.

The other game on Saturday sees Durham Development hosting Newcastle Development. ROCKCLIFF Under-18s suffered a 60-10 loss to Durham City despite tries from Andrew Addision and Matt Dunbar.

WATCH out for a picture special on the Clash of the Titans in Grassroots Sport next Wednesday

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READTY FOR ACTION: Micky Ward (centre) READY FOR ACTION: TN coach Richard Arnold SCRUM DOWN: Action from an earlier BUSA League rugby clash between Northumbria and Newcastle universities