In betrween it was a plucky show from Rovers who arrived fearing a bigger defeat.

Both sides tried to run the ball whenever they could - a departure from the usual forwards' slog. Thorn's opening try wasn't converted by Gavin Painter and Rovers came back and applied some pressure in the West 22 , which eventually led to lively full back Chris Hopkinson knocking over an excellent drop goal from 25 meters.

However,  that was to be it for the black red and whites as Dan Boatman came into the line. His pass to Eldon Myers produced some impressive juggling skills from the West centre who just managed to hang on to go over with Gav Painter giving his side a 12-3.

That was soon added to by brother Ryan who danced through the cover to set up an easy conversion.

The brothers were on the scoresheet again afetr 20 minutes when Sam Miller broke from the back of a scrum and his pass was well timed to send the scrum half over.

The final try of the half was a long distance  affair with Peter Youll and Gav Painter involved in a break which saw the fly half stopped just short -fortunately  Eldon Myers was there to get his second to give the hosts a 27-3 lead at the break.

With replacements coming and going c- West had ten and Rovers a few less - it wasn't long before the lead was increased.  A poor pass was well collected at his feet by Sam Miller and his dummy and sidesteps saw him race clear through the defence to provide a score - converted by Zac Southern who had moved to fly-half.

The crowd had to wait  another 15 minutes for the next score, but it was another good finish with Southern slipping his way through to set himslrf yelf with an easy conversion close to the posts.

That was the end of the scoring for the home side with Rovers continuing to make hard work of keeping possesssion but tackling manfully.

Special mention for an excellent refereeing performance from Gareth Foreman who now  has the unique record of having played for both sides in this fixture and of also now having officiated.

West: Zac Southern, Rob Thorn, Eldon Myers, Peter Youll, Luke Mallinson, Gavin Painter, Ryan Painter, Michael Hogan, Ross Wood, Carl Robinson, John Bunter, Dan Boatman (capt), Carl Miller, Lee Maddison, Sam Miller.

Replacements: Jonny Hunter, Matt Siddle, Adam Brown, Jordan Foulds, Joe Willis, Jake Linighan, Alex Barker, Joe Rafferty, Greg Edwards, Paul Moss, Liam Checksfield.

Tries: Thorn, Myers (2), Ryan Painter (2), Sam Miller, Southern.

Cons: Gavin Painter, Zac Southert (2)

Rovers: Hopkinson, Rochester, Coulson, Humble, B Cushlow, Fawcett, Pelser, I Flounders, Dakers, Pinchen (c), Langley, Ryan, O’Callaghan, L Wood, Dring. Replacements: Tucker, M Barnfield, Buttery, Stephenson, Little, Lane, Lidster

Tries: Little

Drop Goal: Humble.

Referee: Gareth Foreman (Durham Society)