Following the big win against Ponteland last week we are now showing -9 in the points column. Not a big issue in the promotion stakes - nevertheless a matter of some pride to turn that minus into a plus.

Rockcliff are the unfortunate club who gave us our first away win of the season back in February. On a day when the gale blew straight down their artificial pitch - one gust caught hold of physio Gez and carried him at speed down the touchline - it was a close game which West eventually won 29-24.

Former Scotland and Falcons lock Craig Hamilton is their big influence, both on and off the pitch,  and they have steadily improved since their promotion last summer. Their last two results were a 36-27 defeat to league leaders and local rivals Percy Park and a 40-32 defeat at Aspatria - far better results than most sides have achieved.

Fly-half Matt Siddle returns to the West starting line-up after missing last week's 47-17 win over Ponteland. 

However, most of this week's changes are in the pack. Adam Hutchinson returns from County Under-20 duty to hunker down alongside Adam Brown who steps into the unavailable Aidan Jackson-Smith's boots.

Jake Linighan and Tom Robertson continue their second row partnership, while Liam Bailey and Isaac Robinson both return to provide an experienced and mobile back row.  Chrissy Atkins moves to No.8 with Andy Turner also unavailable.

The Academy also have a big game this weekend. They host Peterlee and Horden on Sunday in the semi-final of the county cup with a 1.00 pm kick off.