The hosts fielded a side packed with experience including two international centres in Henry Paul and Tongan LiasiateTafa.
But once again it was skipper Guy Ford who proved to be the biggest thorn in our sides – the back row scoring a hat trick.
We were boosted by the return to action of front row Andrew Rollins following his unfortunate suspension, and he put on a solid display after coming on as prop, and then moving to hooker.
On the downside second row Michael Hogan was a late cry-off through illness, and he may miss the next few games. He was replaced by Alex Barker.
We had the benefit of the wind in the first half, but it was the home side who enjoyed the early pressure going ahead through a Guy Ford try and a penalty from Tom Bills.
We went straight back down the pitch with Stu Waites opting for a line-out from a penalty, and from the catch and drive replacement Ryan Painter powered over under the posts.
On 33 minutes Col Cheslin finished off some good work by Greg Edwards and Zac Southern to go in under the posts .
Then just before half time we made fully 40 metres from a driving maul which saw Jonny Boatman peel off on the blind side to go over.
At 23-22 at half time the crowd were getting their money’s worth, and it was all seemingly to play for. However, it was the home side who responded to the challenge with winger Adam Wellington racing away to score.
We could only manage one more try after the break when Jay Corbett went over on the hour mark to make it 33-27.
The five point gap looked appealing for a short time, but it was the home side who reacted by running in three tries in the last 20 minutes.
A lively game, some good scores, plenty of mistakes from both sides and no yellow cards in sight.
West: Zac Southern, Scott Butcher, Colin Cheslin, Andrew Cheslin, Greg Edwards, Stu Waites, Ryan Painter, Ian Pinchen, Andrew Dixon, Adam Coates, Nathan Myers, Michael Alex Barker, Sam Miller, Dan Boatman [c], Jon Boatman. Reps: Luke Mallinson, Andrew Rollins, Jay Corbett.
Referee: Dean Walker [Manchester]