Our inability to cross the try line in recent games is costing us and, as a result, we need some points to increase the gap between ourselves and the third relegation place.
Horden are resigned to going back into Durham and Northumberland One. However, their performances have picked up markedly in recent weeks, and their strong sense of pride means they do not want to return without having won at least one game. All the better for the "leds" if that was against West.
Our concentration has to be on getting at least three more wins between now and the end of the season. We should have got one of them last week when we bulldozed the Northern pack all afternoon only to end the game with a 9-3 defeat.
The discussion which takes place after games between referees, assessors and coaches came to the conclusion that two penalty tries could have been awarded to West as we camped on the visiting line. But they weren't, and we had enough possession to have been masters of our own destiny.
Aaron Myers is helping out with coaching, while now playing back at Wharfedale, and his session on Tuesday was very much geared to making most of those opportunities.
Stu Waites finished last week's game back at fly half and he'll start there with Zac Southern dropping back to full back. Zac's had an excellent first season in the 10 shirt but Stu's experience could be invaluable in the run-in.
On the same basis Greg Edwards returns on the bench in place of the promising Callum Johnston.
In the forwards Ian Pinchen is available again and starts with Adam Coates providing the rolling front row replacement. Joe Rafferty was injured early in the game last so the dynamic Chris Atkins moves up to second row allowing Liam Bailey to continue his return to the back row. Jay Corbett will be on the bench to provide cover and some ball carrying strength.
Of course, both Horden "rejects" start the game. Owen Bennett is fast gaining match fitness after his injury, while Andrew Rollins has been an almost ever present this season despite his inability to turn up for away coaches on time. He should have little trouble on that front this week.
Similarly, Horden have the likes of the sharp running Davy Heckles and, er, voluble Luke Watson who have both played at Brinkburn.
The strong connections between the clubs also exist off the pitch. One of the few highlights of being an Alickadoo at West is the annual summer trip to Horden for beer, craic, and Mrs Featonby's savouries. The hospitality from Bill Featonby, Jonty Groves and the lads is as legendary as the pre-match soup whose recipe is a closely kept secret - much to Geoff Hainsworth's chagrin.
Whatismore the game is being sponsored by West forward's coach Peter Robinson - not him personally, of course, Heineken are picking up the tab.
And we are very grateful to Jonty for organising a one minute's silence in memory of his former West teammate Billy Cook (pictured) who passed away earlier this week.
On a muddy pitch, and with two determined sets of forwards, it promises to be a battle which Billy would have savoured.
West: Zac Southern, Luke Mallinson, Scott Butcher, Peter Youll, Kyle Jamieson, Stu Waites, Ryan Painter, Ross Wood, Andrew Rollins, Ian Pinchen, Owen Bennett, Chris Atkins, Liam Bailey, Dan Boatman (c), Sam Miller. Reps: Adam Coates, Jay Corbett, Greg Edwards.