Debutants - Ethan Ledington, Aidan Jackson-Smith, Matthew Fleet, Lewis Scott and Luke Bage

A major plus was the form of the five lads who made their debut with three of them coming straight in from the Academy. 

Northern started the first quarter with a full strength 15 and gave us some early season defence practice.

They went ahead after 15 minutes ,and then some poor tackling allowed their fly half to race through to send in one of his centres to make it 14-0.

We got our game together and Ryan Painter was quick to take a tap penalty and go over in the corner - another great conversion from Stu adding the extras.

Our forwards began to dominate the scrum in the second quarter with the backs looking lively, if over eager with the final pass. However, it came good just before the break when Will Hilditch was sent clear from 25 metres to race round under the posts.

The third quarter was a bit of an arm wrestle before Stu set up space for Peter Youll to send Lewis Scott in for a well deserved try on his debut. Once again the kick was from out wide but sailed through the posts.

We continued to have a territorial advantage, however Northern drew level when they attacked down the left creating a three man overlap for themselves on the right.

There were knocks to Peter Youll, Adam Peacock and Max Tennant and they may be a few more bruises when we face Consett at home next week.

West: Zac Southern, Adam Peacock, Will Hilditch, PeterYoull, Max Tennant, Stu Waites, Ryan Painter, Adam Coates, Andrew Rollins, Adam Brown, John Bunter, Jake Linighan, Alex Barker Ethan Ledington, Chris Atkins.

Changes: Luke Bage, Aidan Jackson-Smith, Matthew Fleet, Luke Mallinson, Lewis Scott.