New  Faces

Our hard working phsyio has been been busy preparing for his wedding by getting the lads in shape.

He's on record as saying its one of the best pre-seasons we've had while he has been at the club.

There was another excellent turn out at training  last night - albeit with the somel missing faces because of holidays.

Unfortunately, Liam Bailey and Tom Dixon were both missing because of injury, and the hooker and second row positions are two of those which will be exercising the thoughts of the new coaches Iain Dixon and Jon Boatman.

Skipper Danny Boatman is as eager as anyone for a game after Westoe cried off the first friendly.

He says: "We certainly need some game time as the first league game is only a fortnight away.

"But we've been having contact sessions since we fist came back and the Mowden game will certainly be a test.

"There will be new faces - because of the injuries to Liam and Tom  - and, of course, we have lost Gareth Foreman who wants to try his hand at coaching.

"So it will be a different kind of West team this season - probably a heavier one but also a younger one."

As well as some new faces from Rovers and Horden there's been a welcome return to training for club captain Carl Robinson and Phil Butler - you can never have enough front rows.

Tom Armstrong has returned to the club from Billingham and Northumbria University, while there's a talented crop of younger players continuing their development in senior rugby including  Tom's brother Luke and the likes of Jay Corbett.

A big squad is travelling to Barnard Castle so as many as possible get some game time, and then its down to serious action with the visit of Mowden where seven subs will be allowed under cup rules.

The final  game before we welcome Birkenhead Park in the league will be at Middlesbrough next Saturday.