The centre joins fellow 17 year old Joe Willis in the side which travels to Wheatley Hills to take on a side fighting to stay in the league.

By comparison Joe (also pictured) is a veteran with 15 games under his belt and five tries - one of which wasn't in the corner. However, he is still a year too young to join fellow Colts who will be serving the drinks at next week's official opening dinner.

The first start for the side caps a great week for young Checksfield who is selected for the Scottish Exiles Under 18's trial, at Leamington Spa on April 17th, where he'll represent the North against the South.

We head into our penultimate away trip of the season fighting to retain third place in North One East.

Unfortunately, we slipped up badly at home to Morpeth two weeks ago handing the initiative to rivals Alnwick who are now just one point behind us with a game in hand.

We were comfortable winners when we entertained Wheatley Hills back in November – the 47-6 scoreline the biggest of the season.

However, Wheatley Hills are currently fighting for league survival having been deducted five points for fielding an unregistered payer.

They are only five points from safety and are notoriously hard to beat on their own ground nicknamed “the Cage” – all of their six victories coming at home.

We will be without unlucky fly half Gavin Painter. The talented playmaker took a knock to the head against Morpeth, after returning fromn a long lay-off with a mouth injury. Stu Waites is still sorting out his shoulder problems, so Zac Southern once again steps up to deputise with Connor Fewster at full back.

Michael Hogan is also fit again, and will be in the squad. However, Liam Bailey picked up a knock in training so Dan Boatman returns to the back row with Chris Atkins partnering Owen Bennett.

West squad: Connor Fewster, Scott Butcher, Liam Checksfield, Peter Youll, Joe Willis, Zac Southern, Ryan Painter, Jack Angus, Michael Hogan, Andrew Rollins, Adam Coates, Owen Bennett, Chris Atkins, Dan Boatman (captain), Aaron Myers, Sam Miller,  Greg Edwards, John Bunter.