Park are currently top of Regional Two North having made an unbeaten start to the season before following West in encountering an improved Consett side - Consett 43 Percy Park 24 last week.
At the same time West were defeating second placed Durham City with a very unfamilar looking squad, but one which was well worth the 29-27 victory. City were twice allowed to score a brace of tries at the end of each half producing that tight scoreline, which perhaps flattered City a little.
If West are to get anything out of the trip through the Tyne Tunnel they will have to be less generous. They go into the game with a few familiar faces back on the teamsheet in the shape of Jay Corbett, Ollie Connolly and Max Tennant. However, it's swings and roundabouts these days for all clubs as work and other commitments came into play. As a result Jake Linighan and Isaac Robinson are otherwise engaged earning a living..
Davy Heckles has also decided to stop playing at this level and has returned to Horden to see out his playing days in Durham and Northumberland Two. He had a tremendous season in the unbeaten campaign last year and he leaves with our thanks for his superb contribution.
Fortunately, the changes allow other lads to grab their chance with Sam Knight and Matty Baggs moving up from the Academy and very much looking the part, while Connor McLurg is now able to commit to playing first team and was Man of the Match last week. With Jay back he'll move from No 8 to the flank with Aidan Jackson-Smith moving from the front-row to complete the back-row. Liam Pennick is also back to allow Adam Hutchinson to move to hooker.
In the backs Sam Knight returns to full back with Ollie Connolly returning at fly half and Zac Southern and Matt Siddle providing the centre partnership. Lewis Scott was on top form last week with his two tries, while Max Tennant will be on the other wing looking to get back to scoring ways after his extended travels.
The Stags once again have that mix of youth and experience although it's looking a bit more youthful this week.
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Firsts @ Percy Park Kick off 3.00 |
Stags v Bishop Auckland Kick off 3.00 |
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| Sam Knight | 15 | Dom Cox |
| Lewis Scott | 14 | Michael Parker |
| Matt Siddle | 13 | Imran Mehdi |
| Zac Southern | 12 | Martin Todd (c) |
| Max Tennant | 11 | Aaron Pike |
| Ollie Connolly | 10 | Jacob Parker |
| Ryan Painter (c) | 9 | Kai Pierse |
| Jack Angus | 1 | Charlie Caswell |
| Adam Hutchinson | 2 | Ross Wood |
| Liam Pennick | 3 | Lewis Macleod |
| Will Corbett | 4 | Cameron Mould |
| Ollie Webster | 5 | Harry Siddle |
| Aidan Jackson-Smith | 6 | Dan Robson |
| Connor McLurg | 7 | Charlie Kay |
| Jay Corbett | 8 | Nathan Fennyl |
| Jonny Wray | 16 | Harry Powell |
| Jay Anderson | 17 | Tommy Powelll |
| Jordan Painter | 18 | Jacob Wood |