This year's competition is off to a lively start before a pass is made. The ever competitive Athletic will be missing, after fielding an ineligible player last year, while for everyone outside of Brinkburn the tie which sees West Stags having home "advantage" against West Hartlepool Amateurs in agame which some say may not be being taken seriously. Don't believe a word of it.

This game will be much enjoyed by the players and coaches of both sides and will be eagerly supported by those senior players not involved.

The Ams have already named their squad, and will no doubt pay the Stags the respect they deserve by starting the game with 15 men on the pitch - not something which always happens in Ams games.

Whatever the result, the game will be enjoyed and will reflect how far the club[s] has come since moving to the Catcote Road side of the grounds.

The Stags have become one of the best second teams around. This Saturday they have a massive game against high flying Blaydon in the CaNDY league, where they have consistently put on good performances against much more experienced, and bigger, sides including those from the National Two second teams of both Blaydon and Tynedale.

The Ams are making a massive contribution to Brinkburn rugby through providing social rugby for all those who want it. They also provide invaluable rugby playing experience for the otherwise very young playing squads of the Stags and Bucks, where the likes of Sothy, Ian Peart and Chris Harrison are doing such a tremendous job for the club in bringing on young players.

The Ams have named this squad including, wonderfully, both Frankland Senior and Junior, while the Stags will select after training on Tuesday night.

Ams: Spence, Knight, L.Boatman, P.Miller, Martin, Wilkinson, Turnbull, Parker, Frankland Senior and Junior, Scarr, AJ,Claydon, Hamilton, Graham, Chummer, Brown, Powell,Wright, Douglas, Quinn the Calmer.