West earned that prize courtesy of six well-taken tries, while Scarborough were always in the game - crossing three times themselves and slotting the kicks to keep the scoreboard ticking.

West went into the quarter-final with a reshuffled front row, and with Jacob Wood and Will Hilditch forming a new centre partnership as Ollie Connolly was side-lined because of the head injury protocol.

The cup allows for seven replacements, but West only fielded four as a squad was needed for the Stags’ Pyman Cup game where BBOB went through 41-25. As a result, club physio Gez was on the first team bench as one of the front row replacements coming on for a last five-minute cameo. His first appearance for the firsts was 25 years ago.

On a windy day the home side got off to their usual slow start with Scarborough applying the early pressure and coming away with a successful penalty. They could have gone further ahead but fly-half Tom Harrison’s effort came back off the post, with Lewis Scott off to the bin for a deliberate knock-on as he stopped an attack.

It took until the quarter hour for West to get themselves into the game and it was Max Tennant who kickstarted proceedings. He gathered on his left wing on the home 22 and set off on a mazy run through the Scarborough defence . He was eventually stopped just sort of the posts with Will Hilditch unable to take his pass.

Undaunted, the West forwards promptly pushed their opponents off their own scrum with skipper Ryan Painter gratefully going over from close range. Matt Siddle had the kicking duties but the wind got the better of him. With Jake Linighan on for the injured Will Corbett, West went further ahead with Isaac Robinson finishing off in the corner from a catch and drive to give his side a 10-3 lead Scarborough reduced the arrears with another penalty from Harrison before a flurry of action in the closing stages of the first half. Skipper Painter increased the West lead as he spotted a gap to go in under the posts to give Siddle an easy conversion.

 However,  Scarborough came back up the field to score with the last move of the half – centre Jonty Holloway running a great line to take ball from full back Connor Ward to go in under the posts to take the score to 17-13 at the break.

West had the benefit of the south-westerly in the second half, but it was the visitors who regained the lead. Sam Knight was caught as he looked to run from his 22, with Scarborough mauling their way to the line where hooker Jake Lyon was able to reach out to touchdown. Harrison’s conversion giving his side a three-point lead.

It didn’t last long as from the restart Lewis Scott forced his way up the right to send in Isaac Robinson for his second of the day – Sidd shanking his conversion attempt. West kept up the pressure.  and when referee Will Lacey awarded a penalty ten metres out the scrum option was taken. It was the right decision as the ball was quickly moved left where Tennant was able to finish. This time Siddle was able to nail one of his more difficult attempts to give West a nine-point cushion. Back came Scarborough with hooker Lyon getting his second as he forced his way over in the corner – too wide for Harrison’s conversion attempt. However, the closing stages belonged to West as Scarborough lost No 8 Drew Govier to the bin for a high tackle with ten minutes left on the clock.

West then lost their own No.8 Chris Atkins to injury, but that didn’t stop the momentum . Hilditch looking almost certain to score as he took a ball just five metres out. However, he was uncompromisingly hit with a high block, which had the supporters on the clubhouse terrace baying for a penalty try.

It was a penalty, but no try, so West again went for the scrum and once again it was man of the match Tennant who took advantage. This time he beat his opposite number with a deft chip kick and was able to gather to finish the scoring in some style.

A hard-fought game played in the right spirit and with Scarborough’s players ending their competitive season with an interesting display of fancy dress in the clubhouse.

Keswick host Kirkby Lonsdale next week in the other quarter final. As things stand it looks like West will travel to one of those sides on May 4^th.

West: Sam Knight, Lewis Scott, Jacob Wood, Will Hilditch, Max Tennant, Ryan Painter (capt), Matt Siddle, Jack Angus, Aidan Jackson-Smith Liam Pennick, Ollie Webster, Will Corbett, Connor McLurg, Isaac Robinson, Chris Atkins.

Reps (all used) : Tom Robertson, Ben Reed, Jake Linighan, Michael Geritz.

Tries: Painter (2), Robinson (2), Tennant (2).

Cons: Siddle (2).

Yellow: Scott

Scarborough: Connor Ward, Joe Davies, Jonty Holloway, Matty Young, Joe Marshall, Tom Harrison, Jack Holt, Ropeti Ropeti, Jake Lyon, Tom Read, Will Mann, Will Leah, Will Rennard, Sam Roderick, Drew Govier (capt).

Reps: Matt Jones, Nathan Spink, Tom Maki, Philip Stewart, James Long, Sam Jackson.

Tries : Lyons (2) Holloway.

Cons Harrison (2)

Pens; Harrison (2)

Yellow: Young, Govier

Referee: Will Lacey (Durham).