For the second week running we're facing opposition who would dearly love to be in that position. Last week Sheffield's desperation for points produced a distinctly unpleasant game where the mettle of a young West side, and a young up and coming referee, were tested to the full. Fortunately, both came through with flying colours.

Horden are two points ahead of Sheffield on six points and are four points behind Rovers who they play next. So, victory over West, and the expected defeat for Rovers at top of the table Middlesbrough, would start to make life very interesting in the battle for the third and final relegation place.

For once Rovers' men will be hoping for a West victory!

The "leds" have responded by coaxing long term injury victim Michael Thubron back into the side and, on what will be a muddy pitch they will no doubt be hoping for a stick it up your jumper type of game.

Opposite number Dave Stubbs will be sticking by the doctrine he has enforced all season. Keep the ball in hand and run at the opposition at every opportunity.

It has paid dividends with a lot of points being racked up in the last quarter.

As a result there are few changes to the side which was pleased to see the back of Sheffield last week. Jon Norris starts in the front row after replacing Carlo Robinson last week following his neck injury. Michael Young and Davy Tighe continue their excellent half back combination while Chris Lambert and Gavin Painter will be hoping the conditions are good enough to get the ball out wide. Lambert is off to Australia next month to play for the Brothers rugby club and is anxious to get a few more tries under his belt before jetting off.

West:Hare, Lambert, Edwards, Howe, Painter, Tighe, Young, Cullinane, A Dixon, Norris, Rudd, T Dixon, D Boatman, Myers, J Boatman

Reps: C Robinson, Henderson, Todd.

Horden:Grand, Cox, White, Turner, C Purvis, L Watson, N Hartley, Thompson, Thirkell, James, Armstrong, Thubron, Greenlaw, Temple,S Heckles.

Reps; Holloway, Black, Priestley.