Early exchanges were a little disjointed but West were showing early ambition by trying to move the ball whilst Alnwick defended well and had some success at turning us over at the breakdown on a couple of occasions. However, as with so many previous seasons the West pack were soon dominant at scrum time resulting in Hooker Jordan Fouldes winning a number of balls against the head. He was well supported by loose head Scot Coull who was making a welcome return from a serious knee injury, tight head Jed McGowan, unseen or heard of since May, having been in a strict summer training camp (at Mando's) and powerful second row partnership Jake Linighan and Bob Leighton.

Eventually despite some determined tackling from the visitors the home side strung together a number of phases resulting in Jordan Foulds (pictured) powering over for a well deserved try which went unconverted. It was just reward for the Hooker who was making regular meterage in the loose as well as some impressive tackles.

The second half was a more exciting affair with the home side finding more continuity despite some positional changes from last season. The mid field saw a new partnership being tested with Ben Evans at 12 in place of Liam McChecksfield ( on duty for the 1st XV ) and last season's full back Adam Peacock at 13 for Kieron Marr who is locked away in his Peterlee Training Camp preparing for his first listed fight on the NE Boxing circuit. We wish the " Horden Hurricane" well in his pre bout preparations.

Continued scrum dominance and good tactical kicking from half backs Matt Siddle and Connor Drinkwater was now resulting in good field position and a resulting line out saw a well worked catch and drive leading to a second try for Hooker Jordan Fouldes. Connor Drinkwater converted.

An impressive period saw the West side begin to hit top gear with some good driving play from No 8 Adam Broon and open side Alex Cox. Both players were also making some big tackles as Alnwick were trying to get a foothold in the game, their No 8 being particularly impressive in the loose.

Right winger Imran came close to scoring on a number of occasions after some impressive running but it was another West forward who eventually crossed the line. Fast ball saw a well weighted pass out to Skipper Jake Linighan who broke through the defence and made a lot of ground. The support was impressive and the big lock had a choice of Adam Peacock coming with impressive pace on his outside or Alex Cox on the inside. The cover went for Peacock and the ball went to Cox who raced in unopposed to score under the posts to round off an impressive game at No7. Connor D stepped up to convert and The Seaham Sniper made no mistake, taking the scoreline to 19-0 which was how it finished.

Not a great spectacle by any means but some good promise shown by a squad that have only today come back together. Plenty of effort and good spirit shown by both sides though and well supported by a Referee who did his absolute best to enable a flowing game in poor conditions.

Many thanks to Alnwick for coming down - we look forward to the return fixture up in Northumberland.

A good day for us all of course with 3 Home Wins on the first Saturday of the new season - Brinkburn is indeed bouncing Sos !!

West Colts:

Razor, Imran, Peacock A, Evans B, Gump F, Drinkwater C, Siddle M, Koul S, Dog M, McGowan J, Leighton R, Linighan J (Capt), Elliott, Cox A, Broon A

Reps:

James A, Big Joe Bell