The senior squad with shirt sponsor Chris Seymour

Darlington arrived as one of the three promoted sides and duly set out to make their mark. Their experienced pack kept it simple and they went ahead with a break through the middle from centre Adam Gardner, which saw a one on one with Matt Siddle.The tackle was duly made however winger Pat Searle was in support to go over.

The kick looked an easy one but, as both kickers were to discover, the crosswind was tricky and Darlo had to settle for the five points.

When the West pack did settle they went ahead on 25 minutes courtesy of flanker Alex Barker who forced his way over from close range (pictured). If Sam got some new kicking boots during the summer he needs to get last season's pair out of the garage. 10-5 to West.

The West backs were also getting to know each other following the return of Davy Heckles. There was lots of promise, and lots of over ambition at times  The first time the ball was moved through the hands a well timed pass from Heckles sent Will Hilditch away up the left. Will was on fine form on his return to the wing and his astute kick was chased down by Heckles to give his side a ten point lead.

Hooker Aidan Jackson-Smith has put a lot of fitness work in during the summer and his speed caught out the opposition on several occasions. It looked like he might break through on 35 minutes only for referee Revis Phillips ruling there had been crossing.

Undettered the pack kept up the pressure but looked to have missed a chance with a knock-on ten metres out. Instead they shoved Darlington off their ball and No 8 Jay Corbett seized on the opportunity to crash over. This time Sam's effort was closer as he managed to cannon the ball off both posts but not over the bar. It was one of those days.

Bonus point secured there were hopes that the second half would produce fewer handling errors from both sides and a bit more flowing rugby.

There were chances with Darlington defending well on their line at times. However, West's only score of the half came from a penalty try. Hilditch started it with a burst up the left wing. Ryan Painter took the inside pass and put in a great kick. It was chased down by Ollie Connolly who kicked on to win the race to the ball only to be rudely pushed over as he went collect in the dead ball area. Relief for Sam as he didn't have to take the kick.

That was the end of the home scoring although, as per last season,  there  was a deserved  score right on the whistle for Darlington - a rare bit of possession in the West 22 seeing one of their burly forwards going over from close range. Scrum half Sam McCool slotting the only kick of the day.

Cobwebs blown away, hopefully, and a stiff test in store next week at another newly promoted side. Durham and Northumberland Two champions Guisborough went down by only one point at Sunderland and will be looking to impress their home supporters.

West: Matt Siddle, Lewis Scott, Davy Heckles, Ollie Connolly, Will Hilditch, Sam Heron, Ryan Painter (capt), Michael Hogan, Aidan Jackson-Smith, Jack Angus, Tom Robertson, Will Corbett, Alex Barker, Chris Atkins, Jay Corbett. 

Changes (all used): Jake Tennant, Alex Johnson, Charlie Kay.

Tries: Painter, Heckles, Barker, Corbett, pen try.

Yellow: Angus

Darlington: Tom Smith, Jack Rowaldson, Sam Hardy, Adam Gardner,Patrick Searle, Ross Heslop, Sam McCool, Oliver Telfer, Darren Hoare, Andrew Stubbs, Chris Anderson, Sean Laing, Stephen Carrick, Oliver Breeze, Patrick Prest

Changes: Dan Miller,  Alexander Swart, Jack Hardy.

Referee: Revis Phillips (Durham Society).