Skipper Danny Boatman and fellow back row Liam Bailey both return after missing last week’s league win at South Shields Westoe.

However, the in form Andrew Rollins has other commitments. As a result we have enlisted the help of Horden hooker Chris Wood with Michael Hogan returning from injury and the only other fit front row to go on the bench.

Eldon Myers starts in the centre, after scoring twice last week when he came off the bench at half time. In three games for West he has scored five tries

With lots more rain and gales  forecast the game may well be another forwards battle, which could well suit the hosts who always raise their game  for this one.

Rovers have had a strong of tricky fixtures in Durham and Northumberland One, and they've also suffered a lot of injuries and absences. As a  result they've slumped to fourth bottom while we have steadily held onto third place in North One East, albeit with Alnwick closing the gap in recent weeks.

Regardless Iain Dixon and Co. - all old hands at the fixture - have named a strong side. The only other new face in the squad is Colts back row Matt Ward  - he will be joined on the bench by Colts scrum half Matty Crowe who has already seen some first team action.

West: Stu Waites, Scott Butcher, Eldon Myers, Peter Youll, Joe Willis, Gavin Painter, Ryan Painter, Ross Wood, Chris Wood, Jack Angus, Chris Atkins, Owen Bennett, Liam Bailey, Dan Boatman (captain), Sam Miller.

Replacements: Matty Crowe, Greg Edwards , Zac Southern, Michael Hogan, Joe Rafferty, Jay Corbett, Matthew Ward, John Bunter.

Rovers (from): Gunn, Rochester, S Flounders, Grand, Miller, Coulson, A Smith, Austwicke, Fawcett, M Stephenson, Cookland, I Flounders, Dakers, Maguire, Pinchen, Langley, Ryan, Caswell, O’Callaghan, J Little, Wood, Maddison, Lane, Dring (captain)