However, the West faithful were rightly worried early on, as Percy Park had the better of the opening exchanges and threatened the line several times, with their strong running centres and pacy full back Jamie Fenwick looking menacing.

However West weathered the early storm and a great break from James Baxter who fed Michael Hainsworth took play to the Percy Park line. Baxter, Callum Montgomery and Jack Mason all drove hard for the line but were held out by some resolute defending. Callum Johnston made a good break as West penned their visitors in their own 22m. A charge down from Isaac Robinson set up a quick ruck and the ball was spun quickly for David Wells to race through, Will Hilditch just managing to kick the simple conversion. From the kick off West stormed back into opposition territory and a blistering run from Johnston set up Hainsworth who outpaced the cover and touched down behind the posts for a generous 14-0 half time lead.

Injuries to the Percy Park back line were to prove their undoing as West unleashed some outstanding rugby. The hugely influential Hilditch made a big tackle in midfield to set up winger Hainsworth, who jinked his way to the line but was felled by a high tackle. Jack Mason, back to his barnstorming best, powered over from the penalty and Hilditch chipped the conversion for a 21-0 lead.

By this stage, Percy Park were simply outplayed as the visitors played some sublime rugby. The close support play and tremendous close passing were almost impossible to defend against and West showed no mercy. The back row of Mason, George Wall and Robinson were in irresistible form and it was Robinson who weaved his way over in the corner from 20 metres after a great break from Baden Knibbs.

A superb conversion from the touchline made it 28-0. Mason was enjoying the space in the loose and Hilditch began to exploit the midfield with a commanding display as he carved open the make shift defence.

A kick from defence was well fielded by David Wells who stepped his way through the cover and fed Robinson who was bundled into touch ten yards from the line. A powerful charge from Shane Jeffery set up Montgomery who dragged half the home pack over the line, to emerge without his boot and sock but with another five points. Hilditch adding the conversion.

Percy Park rallied bravely and it was a fitting reward for their hard work and tireless commitment, typified by scrum half Robbie Scott, when Fenwick scored down the left and converted his own try. However, West were soon back on the attack. Clever skills in the line-out from Robinson who flicked the ball back to Knibbs saw the ball shifted at speed for David Wells to speed through the home defence as West took a 42-7 lead.

Park came back at their visitors but West finished with a flourish. Deep in the home 22m the ball was moved wide and Hainsworth sprinted past on the outside to run in from half way for his second try. With time almost up, Mason made a powerful break from deep and passed to Callum Johnston who showed scorching acceleration to complete the scoring. Hilditch, needless to say, added both conversions to cap a fine game: eight conversions and some excellent midfield breaks.

This was a great display from West. The front five provided an excellent platform and competed hard against a big home pack. The back row were magnificent; George Wall showed his usual tenacity and led from the front, Mason looks in wonderful form and full of running while Robinson showed maturity beyond his years with his skills in the loose and at the breakdown. However, Ben Reed and Baden Knibbs can reflect on an impressive partnership as they turned in a calm and authoritative performance at half back in a selfless display of controlled rugby.

The players, coaches and parents of West Hartlepool would like to thank Percy Park coach Mike Rickards who stepped in to referee at short notice. He must have done a good job as Mr. S. Robinson spent more time influencing the match day reporter rather than advising the ref. Thanks also to Bob Fox who performed his usual medical duties even though son Danny was laid up with a virus. It was also heartening to see Aaron Jeffery at the game and in good spirits after his recent broken femur.

On a personal note, I would put your mortgage on Durham County U16s this season. They must have quite a side if none of the West Hartlepool boys can even get into their squad!

David Wells, Michael Hainsworth, Callum Johnston, William Hilditch, Ben Foley, Ben Reed, Baden Knibbs, Callum Montgomery, James Baxter, Alex Hester, Danny Ashton (James Piper), Shane Jeffery, Isaac Robinson, George Wall (capt.) Jack Mason

Replacements: Adam Lennard