However, it was the returning Andy Turner and Max Tennant who stole the show with two tries apiece. Michael Hogan also had a very decent hour long shift in the engine room where Jake Linighan celebrated his return from suspension by eclipsing 6ft 8in former Scotland lock Craig Hamilton in the line-out.

The hosts wisely opted to have the gale, and occasional stinging shower, at their backs in the first half, and went into an early lead from a penalty. However, we came straight back with Lewis Scott coming  into the line from full back and using a burst of  speed to carve the home defence open. Max Tennant  was equally fleet footed in support to go in.

Sam Heron's conversion from wide on the left was across the blustery wind but he nailed it to give us a 7-3 lead.

Rockcliff responded with another penalty on our 22, only for Scott and Tennant to combine again up the left wing with Max having the sense to race round under the posts. Unfortunately, Sam lined up too close to the posts and he couldn't get the elevation - much to everyone's surprise.

Another pen for Rockcliff kept them in contention and they went ahead after we were again penalised as we continued to try to run the ball out of defence. Ollie Connolly's determined tackling had won him the ball and he raced clear only to be brought back. This time Rockcliff used the tap and go and were able to force their way over to take the score to 14-12.

They continued to use the wind wisely, but went further ahead with a more conventional backs try as full back Ryan Rapallo raced through a hole in our defence to give his side a 19-12 lead at the break.

With the home scrum going backwards, and only being saved by repeated excellent work from No. 8 Connor Madden, the half-time lead did not look big enough.

And so it proved. Intelligent kicking from Heron and Matt Siddle kept play in the home 22 with Max Tennant almost getting his third try as he got on the end of a grubber.

Two minutes later we did draw level through Andy Turner who celebrated his first start after his various ankle operations by going over from short range. Heron had kicked a penalty into the clubhouse corner, Aidan Jackson-Smith successfully managed the elements all afternoon and his throw found Jake Linighan with Turner waiting to pounce.

Such was the success of the kick to the left corner that there was some surprise that we opted for a shot at goal from a penalty on the half-way line. A lottery in those conditions, but Heron once again had the winning ticket. It's only the easy ones he misses.

Back in the lead, looking increasingly comfortable, and with Hadwen on for Hogan and Hutchinson on for Coates, we had Rockcliff defending manfully. They eventually succumbed when Turner once again popped up in the right place as we camped in the home 22. 

The conversion took us 10 points clear and the bonus point was in the bag with 15 minutes to go. The score stayed that way for 14 minutes with the play in the home half. But Rockcliff refused to give in, and once again a West game there was a score with the very last move as they managed to cross in the corner to earn a deserved losing bonus point.

Great to see some more experienced players  back on the pitch as we prepare for three games which could define our season. Westoe, who won 76-7 at Novos, are first up at Brinkburn next week. There then follows two tricky away trips to Stockton and Aspatria. 

Rockcliff: Ryan Rapallo, Aidan Lyall, Nat Walder, Tom Willcox, Michael Hansen, Dan Leach (capt), Andrew Moore, Niall Stokes, Steve Pentland, Craig Hamilton, Chris Keen, Kieran Lydall, Josh Donnelly, Connor Madden.

Reps ( all used): Dougie Hall, Matt Dunbar, Jack Bland.

West: Lewis Scott, Owen Westhorp, Sam Heron,  Ollie Connolly, Max Tennant, Matt Siddle, Ryan Painter (capt), Tim Blades, Aidan Jackson-Smith, Adam Coates, Jake Linighan, Michael Hogan, Isaac Robinson, Tom Robertson, Andy Turner.

Resp used: Craig Hadwen, Adam Hutchinson. Not used: Stu Waites.

Tries: Tennant (2), Turner (2).

Cons: Heron (3)

Pens: Heron (1)