Northern gave us a tough work-out last week, specially as the Pyman Cup meant we turned up wth 20 players with the home side having a much more packed bench.
Both sides ran in three converted tries in a very worthwhile workout with Stu once again taking the honours with a last ditch kick.
The player coach won't be doing doing that week. He is away, as is fellow half-back Ryan Painter who is on brother Gav's stag do along with half a dozen other first teamers.
Unfortunately, Gav is unlikely to figure at all this season as his recurring knee problems need surgery.
Holidays and music festivals have led to others, including Jake Linighan and Will Hilditch, also being unavailable, but the influx of Academy players means there will be a couple of dozen players getting another good run out.
It will include Oli Connolly who starts at full back and is the son of Jamie, and Liam Smith the son of Brett Cullinane - our two Kiwis who stayed behind after the professional era and who have made a tremendous contribution to rugby both at West and in the town.
First XV Home to Consett Meet 12.30pm, 2pm ko Hunter Rollins Brown Bunter Bulmer Barker Ledington Atkins Armstrong Southern Harrison Youll Scott Mallinson Connolly.
Bage Fleet Pennick Peacock Wood Angus Simpson Johnston A Mclurg Quinn Westhorp Powell Corbett Smith