The Eden Park club are having a bit of a struggle this season arriving at Brinkburn with more than a sprinkling of last year’s Colts and a few old heads in unaccustomed position – Luke Watson in the back row, for example.

But they played with their usual spirit with heads held up throughout the game and were well worth the 10-0 half time scoreline. That was despite West getting off to a great start with full back Lewis Scott coming into the line on the first attack - despite having to pick up a pass at his feet manging to force his way over. On a day when the blustery wind was right across the pitch Sam Heron was just wide with his first effort.

Horden – as we know them – suffered another blow as second row Jack Brechin injured his ankle in the first five minutes and couldn’t continue.

His teammates continued to battle and slow the game down as West struggled to find any fluency, but the home side did go further ahead after 18 minutes. The traditional route of penalty kick to the corner produced a try for Adam Coates after Jay Corbett forced his way to the line.

West skipper Ryan Painter was struggling with a shoulder injury. He eventually had to call it a day with Sam Heron moving to scrum half and Zac Southern coming on at outside centre.

The first half ended lamely, but whatever was said by the West coaches at half-time did the trick. Matt Siddle’s restart was taken by Sam Heron with the ball quickly moved right where Adam Coates sent Will Hilditch clear courtesy of a pass from out of the back of his hand. Will drew the cover to send the lively Isaac Robinson over with Sam Heron mastering the conditions to take West to a much healthier looking 17 point lead.

Just six minutes later Heron was again in action bursting through the middle and looking likely to go wide of covering full back Ross Brymer - until he slipped over ten metres out. Fortunately, Ollie Connolly was in support (above), and he collected to go over for the bonus point try with Sam picking himself up to convert.

Max Tennant was dangerous every time he touched the ball and his 30-metre run up the left set up the next home score. It took two tacklers to stop him close to the corner flag and, when the ball was recycled, Alex Barker wasn’t going to be stopped from close range. The conversion taking the score to 31-0. 

The visitors were still taking every opportunity to take the game to the league leaders and got their reward after West were penalised at a ruck. The kick to the corner was secured and prop Ben Walker crossed for their consolation. 

Back came West with Connolly breaking through and he got a bit of luck when his grubber kick hit the heel of a defender bouncing up for the West centre to collect and go over for his second try.

Horden were  tiring and it was no surprise when Tennant got the try he deserved (above). Lewis Scott coming into the line to create an overlap, with the West winger unstoppable and Sam Heron converting from close to the touchline.

Up and coming referee Matthew Seager Rooke was on his first visit to Brinkburn, so probably didn’t know of the tradition of West games ending with a try. Regardless, he blew the final whistle after Heron’s conversion attempt failed following a try from Jay Corbett - Will Hilditch seizing on a dropped ball with Zac Southern the man to create the space for Jay to finish.

A much better second half with West’s Man of the Match going to Ollie Connolly, and Horden’s to flanker Carl Brown who had to suffer both teams singing Happy Birthday to mark his 40th.

A fortnight off from league action with a trip to Medicals next up and likely to give a better indication of how West’s season may pan out. The Newcastle side, together with Sunderland and Rockcliff, now look the most likely threats to West’s promotion ambitions.

West: Lewis Scott, Will Hilditch, Sam Heron, Ollie Connolly, Max Tennant, Matt Siddle, Ryan Painter (captain), Jack Angus, Aidan Jackson-Smith, Adam Coates, Michael Hogan, Jake Linighan, Alex Barker, Isaac Robinson, Jay Corbett.

Replacements (all used): Jordan, Baggs, Zac Southern, Alex Johnson.

Tries: Scott, Coates, Robinson, Conolly (2), Barker, Tennant, Corbett.
Cons: Heron (4).

Peterlee and Horden: Ross Brymer, Jack Owens, Harry Cox, Joe Thubron, Zak Robinson, Neil Hartley, Harry Jones-Cowell, Ben Walker, Niall Greenlaw, Harvey Ward, Jack Brechin, Liam Syson, Luke Watson, Carl Brown, Finlay Ward.

Replacements (all used): Callum Robinson, Daniel Young, Harvey White.

Try: Walker.

Referee: Matthew Seager Rooke (Durham Society).