It should be a fixture that benefits both clubs. Rovers looking to compete at a higher level while we need to put together a team from a squad with lots of promise but a shortage of experience.
That's because Iain Dixon has gone to Wharfedale, Paul Vinnicombe to Blaydon, and Iain Robinson has moved up the A19 to Westoe. The Shieldsmen are also keen to sign Aaron Myers who has been training with both West and Westoe.
All of that creates plenty of opportunities for the dozens of lads who've been training hard all summer - with a cast of thosuands trotting round the training pitch last night.
The Stags have their own warm up game at Barnard Castle, so the coaches had already picked a side to play this week which includes the return of Henry Tones and Chocky Davies.
There will also be a welcome return to action for Dan Boatman who is making a very speedy recovery after breaking his leg in a 7s tournamnet at the end of last season.
The bench will feature Paul Rudd who has returned to the club, after a brief spell at the Friarage, as well as Tom Wilson the Colts fly half who impressed in the Oakes game.
Firsts: Thomas, Butcher, Kerr, Hodgson, A Cheslin, Moss, Williamson, Carr, Dixon, Stewart, Dixon, Davies, Smart, Tones, J Boatman. Reps; Greenwerll, Sawyer, D Boatman, Rudd, Connolly, Barker, Wilson.