Our visitors (kick off 3.00) were briefly known as Horden and Peterlee, but there's been a reversal thanks to a worthy contribution from Peterlee Town Council to their smart new ground.

So we take on Peterlee and Horden Rugby Union Football Club for the very first time. Doubtless Jonty Groves and "The Leds" will continue the traditions which have made them such a hospitable club, off the pitch at least.

Jonty is one of many players who have represented both clubs with distinction. Davy Heckles was instrumental in our play-off win against Heath before returning to coach his original club. He has throw himself into the job with enthusiasm, to the extent he received two yellow cards in the home cup defeat by South Shields Westoe last week, and that equated to a red so he took no further part in proceedings. He's on the teamsheet for this weekend but RFU rules may confine him to the touchline.

"Peterlee" have also recalled Andrew Turner from another  retirement and he will be wearing the No 10 shirt he carried with such distinction.

In days gone by picking West's first team of the season was a nightmare for coaches as so many lads wanted to be selected. Things have changed with work, college, weddings and Covid isolations once again limiting choice - not only for the firsts but for the Stags who travel the opposite way on the A19.

There's no doubt it will take a few weeks to get a settled side. The young lads need to prove themselves while it has been very welcoming to see the likes of Liam Bailey turn up for training, even though work commItments limit him for a few weeks, whiLe Scott Butcher is in the Stags side. Stu Waites is also training although taking great care of his problematic shoulders.

New signing Sam Heron from Durham City looked promising at stand-off against West Leeds, but he's a farmer and won't be available this weekend - a problem Morpeth get every season - but not one to have bothered us much  in the past.

Michael Hogan is also back and training well and will be providing front row cover from the bench, where he'll be joined by Luke Bage and Liam Rutherford.

Three of the former Academy team will be making their league debuts - Lewis Dawes on the wing, Tom Robertson partnering Jake Linighan in the second row and Adam Hutchinson packing down beside Coatesy and Browny in the front row.

There's one  innovation this season pinched from the Premiership. We will be having co-captains with Ryan Painter and Jake Linghan for the first team and James Tyers and Jacob Parker for the Stags.

First XV: Zac Southern, Owen Westhorp, Lewis Scott, Will Hilditch, Lewis Dawes, Ollie Connolly, Ryan Painter, Adam Coates, Adam Hutchinson, Adam Brown, Jake Linighan, Tom Roberston, Alex Barker, Isaac Robinson, Chris Atkins.

Changes: Luke Bage, Michael Hogan, Liam Rutherford.

Stags Squad: Michael Parker, Harry Mayes, Martin Todd, Jake Tennant, Ben Briggs, Kieran Wright, Jacob Parker, Cameron Ellison, Ryan Godfrey, ack Angus, Ollie Webster, James Tyers, Glyn Pickering, Scott Butcher, Alex Johnson, Cameron Mould, Graeme Scott.

There will be a minute’s silence before kick off to fondly remember three club stalwarts who were all regulars in the stand before lockdown - Geoff Hainsworth, Albert Robertson and Joe Huntley.
We will also remember Corinne who passed away just a few days after Geoff just before Christmas and we were further saddened to hear this week of the passing of Joe’s widow Anne.