The Cumbrians conceded more than 40 points to new boys Team Northumbria on their own pitch last week.

But, by all accounts, the winning margin flattered the students who are currently being coached by former Falcons boss Steve Bates.

By contrast, we went away and managed a bonus points agaisnt one of the sides who should be there, or thereabouts, at the end of the season.

The most pleasing aspect of the display was the continuity after the two home friendly wins against Morley and Billingham.

That was coupled with equally good wins for the Stags and the Bucks against quality opposition in Middlesbrough and Mowden Park respectively.

The key now is to keep things going and that pressure for places will certainly help. Waiting in the wings are the likes of Carl Robinson, Andrew Dixon and Adam Howard- who should be fit again in a week or two.

There's equal pressure in the backs with Darren Thomas, Scott Butcher and Co plus the young players coming through such as Michael Hogan, Joe Rafferty and Alex Barker - the latter replacing Joe on the bench against Carlisle.

West: 15 Scott Jordan, 14 Colin Cheslin, 13 Peter Hodgson, 12 Gavin Robinson, 11 Adam Larkin, 10 Gareth Foreman, 9 Andrew Foreman, 1 Anth Carr, 2 Liam Bailey, 3 Adam Coates, 4 Andrew Davies, 5 Tom Dixon, 6 Dan Boatman, 7 Jon Boatman [capt], 8 Paul Rudd. Reps: Stephen Stockdale, Alex Barker, Paul Moss.

Carlisle: 15 Lewis Boyd 14 Ollie Barker 13 Chris Harris 12 Grant Connon 11 Dan Holmes 10 Simon Little 9 Ben Blain 1 Steve Stamper 2 Tom Graham 3 Martin McGimpsey 4 Aidan Day 5 Mark Barron Capt 6 Dan Smithson 7 Lee Brumpton 8 Tom Ritchie 16 David Milbourn 17 Jack Oddie 18 Graham Kidd