The season  is still alive for the Firsts despite  missing a chance to take five points in the 29-27 defeat against a lively Medicals last week.

The RFU still has its abacus out trying to work out how to slot in teams for the new league structure next season. Regardless, there are still 25 points at stake with this game against Ponteland our catch game after Covid led to the postponement of the original fixture before Christmas.

A five pointer would keep us very much in the mix and gain revenge for that big defeat in our first away game of the season. An unfamiliar looking West side allowed Ponteland to run the ball at every opportunity and paid the price.

The team has become much more settled and organised since the turn of the year with the return of the likes of Matt Siddle and Tim Blades. They have made a big impact, as has the growing maturitry of former Academy players such as Adam Hutchinson and Tom Robertson.

Sidd will be missing this week, as he takes the opportunity of what was originally a free weekend to get himself some tickets for the Cheltenham Festival, while Tim hasn't yet recovered from a knee injury.

Sam Heron moves to fly half with Ollie Connolly fit again to resume at inside centtre alongside Will Hilditch, with Zac Southern at full back.

In the pack Andy Turner is available again and will be at No 8, while Craig Hadwen moves to the front row with Tom Robertson partnering Jake Linighan in the second row.

Alex Barker was Man of the Match at Medicals and he'll also be in the back row alongside Chris Atkins.

Great to see front row Liam Pennick involved again. He'll be on the bench alongside Matthew Smart who will be providing backs cover on his debut.