The league is named rather quaintly because the sides come from Cumbria, Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire. It is of a recognised high standard and so level 6 refs are allocated - the same as the first team.
Our arrival brings the league strength up to 11 with the second strings from Tynedale and Blaydon expected to lead the way followed by the likes of Westoe, Mowden, Darlington and Middlesbrough. Other clubs include Carlisle, Sunderland and Morpeth so on many dates the first and Stags will be facing the same club.
Les Smith, West's Chairman of Rugby, says: "We have finalised all but a couple of fixtures and it looks like being an exciting season for the Stags.
"We want guaranteed games for them of a high standard and every club who plays in the Candy league speaks very highly of it."