Jake Linighan, Adam Coates and Isaac Robinson were all missing from last week's eight. Young Tom Robertson came in to partner Man of the Match Craig Hadwen in the second row, Danny Cookland making his first start for three years in the front row and Scott Butcher adding his ball carrying and experience in the back row.

There was also a  late change in the backs where Ollie Connolly was diagnosed with an anke ligament strain - Sam Heron moving to inside centre and Owen Westhorp coming in on the wing.

Adam Brown also made his first start since injuring his shoulder and he was the man to send in Max Tennant as we made a strong start. Pressure mounted on the visitors line and a patient build up eventually created the space wide out on the left.

It was Saturday, so it was windy. This one came straight down the pitch from somewhere rather chilly and Heron's conversion was both short and wide.

The elements were behind Novos and they used it to their advantage as they slowly got into the game - eventually levelling the score through second row Dominic Holland, who forced his way over from close range.

We regained the lead five minutes later with a strong burst through the middle from Scott Butcher. He was stopped five metres out, but the support was there with Matt Siddle diving over beside the post to give Sam an easier conversion.

Chris Atkins was next on the scoresheet as the pack drove from the 22 giving the back row the chance to pick up and force his way over with the elements again thwarting Sam.

It was followed by Turner's first try - the No 8 taking his chance as the West pack took one against the head after Novos thought they had stopped an attack close to their line.

It took the score to 22-5 with half time looming. However, there was time for one last attack from the visitors and they forced a number of penalties in the home 22. The pressure  eventually told with flanker Tom Taylor diving over in the corner to make it 22-10 at the break.

With the wind at their backs the West forwards soon increased that lead with Adam Brown going over after the traditional penalty kick to the corner.  Heron adding the extras.

Confidence was growing but only served to provide Novos with their third try. The West backs' attempt to run  the ball in their own 22 ended with the ball bouncing along the ground in front of the posts. It was collected by a red, white and blue shirt only for the player to lose control as he went to touchdown. We then did try a clearing kick only to see it charged down with fly half Shaun Stewart first to the ball to make it 29-15.

Fortunately, that was the last of the gifts with Will Hilditch quickly making amends for that wild pass he had thrown in his 22. He ran a great line to collect from Matt Siddle and sped over unopposed. Sam adding the extras. He was on target again as the West pack took advantage of one of their opposite number being in the bin - Ryan Painter  fed by Turner and darting over in the  corner with Heron slotting a great conversion from out wide.

The final try was a bit of a gift. Novos were awarded one of those new drop-outs from between their posts-  for some reason the kicker took a quick tap and go. Not in the new laws, apparently, and from the award of a scrum to West Andy Turner and Sam Heron finished things off.

A valuable five points as close run games in other fixtures showed there is still plenty to play for.  Medicals away next week - another big game. 

West: Lewis Scott, Owen Westhorp, Will Hilditch, Sam Heron, Lewis Scott, Matt DSiddle, Ryan Painter (capt), Danny Cookland, Aidan Jackson-Smith, Adsam Brown, Tom Robertson, Craig Hadwen, Chris Atkins, Scott Butcher, Andy Turner.

Reps (all used): Zac Southern, Ollie Webster, Alex Barker.

Tries: Tennant, Siddle, Atkins, Turner (2) Brown, Hilditch, Painter.

Cons: Heron (5)

Novos: Dan Neill, Guilbert Johnson, Jack Hearn, Sam Bird, Ben Kelly, Shaun Stewart, Jonno Martin, Charles Smith, Dan Shuttleworth, Luke Menzfeld, Liam Owens, Dom Holland, Tom Taylor, Louis Matthews, Darren Kelly.

Reps (all used): Oliver Deardon, Ben Walker, Harry Clarke.

Tries: Holland, Taylor  Stewart.

Referee: Matt Arrowsmith ( Durham Society).