The Firsts go into the game still unbeaten and 12 points clear of second place Sunderland. However, the Wearsiders have a game in hand by virtue of their abandoned game at Darlington last week.  The home side were, perhaps surprisingly, leading 28-5 when the referee was unfortunately injured. It was before the 60 minute mark so the game has to be played again.

In the meantime both West and Sunderland now have a clearer idea of promotion and relegation at the end of this season. The RFU has waited until the mid-term to fully explain what will happen now that we have 12 team leagues. 

Two teams will be coming down from Level 6 - now known  as Regional 2 North - but only the winner of Counties 1 Durham and Northumberland is guaranteed promotion. There are 18 leagues at this level across the country feeding into 12 Regional 2 leagues. As a result five of the second placed teams will miss out based on their playing record.

So the aim is to finish top and the ball is firmly in West's court. Two of the last three games have seen West supporters relieved to hear the final whistle, while the home win against rivals Rockcliff saw some of the best rugby of the season in a 46-10 win.

The first away game of the season saw West win 50-7 at Belmangate as the Priorymen settled into life after promotion. Their results quickly improved and they arrive in a respactable 6th place having won 5 and lost 6.

There a few casualties from last week including Alex Barker and Stu Waites whose knocks to the head require the mandatory rest. Jake Linighan and Jay Corbett are also unavailable but Chris Atkins, Will Corbett and Andy Turner are all back and will start up front.

Ollie Connolly also returns in the centre with Sam Heron and Matt Siddle once again swapping roles.