The Teessiders are enjoying life in a new home at Grangefield. With former Falcons, Exeter and Scotland ‘A’ fly half Steve Jones calling the shots, they are sitting comfortably in the top half of the table just six points behind West.
Having beaten Rovers and Horden and Peterlee at home, our traditional derby games, we are finding that we are a bit of a scalp for many sides in this league and most away games look likely to be hard fought.
There's a few injury issiues with back rows Jay Corbett and Alex Barker out and Matt Siddle stilll not recovered from the dead leg which still managed to take across the white line twice lst week week (pictured).
However, we will be boosted by the return of second rows Jake Linighan and John Bunter with Chris Atkins dropping into the back row where Adam Brown will take over the No 8 shirt.
On the wing Callum Johnston returns for Siddle with the promising Liam Rutherford providing backs cover.
West: Zac Southern Adam Peacock, Will Hilditch, Peter Youll Callum Johnston, Stuart Waites, Ryan Painter (capt), Adam Coates, Andrew Rollins, Danny Cookland, Jake Linighan, Joe Rafferty, Issac Robinson, Chris Atkins, Adam Brown.
Changes: Connor McLurg, John Bunter, Liam Rutherford.