With six games left to play West go into this weekend in eighth place - some nine points clear of Upper Eden who are currently in the second relegation place. The Kirkby Stephen club this week pulling out of their Cumbria Cup semi-final against Penrith to concentre on their league games.

On paper West have one of the more difficult run-ins among the sides in the bottom half, plus the RFU have said “don’t bank on just two teams being relegated this year” so every club will be scrapping for points, just in case.

The RFU has also changed its mind about this week being one of enforced rest. As a result, some players had already made arrangements to buy tickets for England v Wales or even take their girlfriends on a weekend away.

It means some changes to the side which was unlucky not to record a win over league leaders Percy Park last week. There’s a handful away supporting England at Twickenham including skipper Ryan Painter and Liam Pennick. Jake Linighan, Max Tennant and Ollie Connolly also have other engagements,  but Matt Siddle is back after his red card at City and Will Corbett is free of work duties. Sidd will be on the wing with Ben Reed taking over the No. 10 shirt and Matty Baggs fit again after the cut to his head,  which dad Brendan said made him look like Harry Potter.

There will also be a new face on the bench in the shape of powerful Nick Bennions, who started playing No. 8 for the Stags a couple of months ago and has already had two Man of the Match awards.

The Stags will be home to Darlington in the CaNDY league with a 2.00 kick off.