At Amethyst Park the statistics reflected West’s dominance in terms of set-piece possession and territory. Consett conceded 26 penalties while West conceded six. Consett had four yellow cards while West had none. The one that matters, of course, was the final score - Consett 26 West 14.

That was achieved off the back of total commitment in defence from the home team, together with frustration from a West side preferring to batter the line from catch and drives as penalties were kicked to the corner rather than shots taken at the posts.

West began in determined fashion forcing a couple of penalties in the home 22, but when  the danger was cleared West gifted the first of the four tries to the home side. Ollie Connolly failed to spot left winger Dan Patchcott covering on his 22. His cross-kick meant for Will Hilditch went straight to the grateful Patchcott who set off into the West half. Full back Matt Siddle came across to cover, however centre Bendan Asher-Wood was in  support and he had the easiest of tasks in running in to set himself up with an easy conversion.

West’s responce was positive with Tennant showing what he could do as he powered his way into the home 22. Two pens followed with kicks to the comer followed by a third penalty,  which West opted to scrummage.  Chris Atkins keeping the ball in control as the home pack was shoved back over their line and Siddle levelling the score.

However, Consett soon regained their lead. Once again it came from a West handling error in the home half,  with a long clearance kick landing in the West 22 where it took an awful bounce to wrongfoot the covering Ryan Painter. The skipper  was penalised for holding on and,  on  only their second visit to the West 22, Consett took the opportunity to  move the ball along the line for right winger Ethan Renwick to score in the corner. Just too wide for a successful conversion.

Consett once again made the most of their opportunities with their next visit to the West 22.

Jake Linighan, once again dominant in the line-out, took good ball only for Consett to rip it as West drove forward. Asher-Wood  the player to capitalise as he was able to run in under the posts from just inside the 22.

There was more than a distinct feeling that, despite all the effort and possession, this was not to be West’s afternoon. It proved to be the case when Tennant  had another run into the home 22 where he was unceremoniously high tackled in front of the posts. A quick penalty was the option only for the ball to be knocked on instead of tapped -  much to the relief of the Consett support as it allowed their side to go in 19-7 to the good.

West’s largesse continued after the break as Consett were gifted their fourth try-bonus point try after 50 minutes. Matt Siddle took possession on his own 22. With nobody showing for the ball he chose to loft a pass out to prop Jack Angus who was minding his own business out of the left wing. Unfortunately  the ball sailed over Angus’s head giving winger Renwick the easiest of opportunities to get his second of the day with Asher-Wood converting.

With half an hour left there was still a chance for West to claw their way back and a pattern was set. Penalty after penalty, kicks to the corner, West stopped on the line.

Replacement prop Liam Pennick did get over (above) but referee Andy Black didn’t see it before Consett piled the bodies in but he did finally run out of patience with the repeated penalties. No. 8 Drew Davison was the first to go,  and when he came back on Renwick quickly followed. When  he returned second row George Brain was sent to occupy that warm sin-bin seat.

West did their best to take advantage of the one man advantage. Once again the proof it wasn’t their day came when Isaac Robinson dropped the ball as was looking certain to go in  at the corner.

Andy Rollins did finally get over with just few minutes left on the clock with Zac Southern, one of three players to play at fly-half, adding  the extras.  With all of the penalties, yellow cards and talking- tos from Mr Black the second half lasted 55 minutes.  It wasn’t enjoyable.

No game next week, so two weeks in which to regroup and ensure fourth place is maintained.

Consett:  Jayden Smith, Ethan Renwick, Brandon Asher-Wood, Alec Tipene, Dan Patchcott, Michaele van Wyk, Lewis Bowman, Oli Smith, Jack Yarrall, Cam Holliday, George Brain, Ayden Knott, Aaron Stephenson, Brad Smith, Drew Davison.

Reps (all used): James Jewitt, Jack Reed, Joe Kirkland.

Tries: Asher-Wood (2), Renwick (2).

Cons: Asher-Wood (3).

Yellow: Davison, Renwick, Brain, Asher-Wood.

West: Matt Siddle, Wil Hilditch, Peter Youll, Ollie Connolly, Max Tennant, Ryan Painter (capt) , Matt Baggs, Jack Angus, Aidan Jackson-Smith, Andrew Rollis, Nick Bennions, Jake Linighan, Charlie Kay, Isaac Robinson, Chris Atkins.

Reps (all used): Zac Southern, Sam Knight, Liam Pennick.

Tries: Atkins, Rollins.

Cons: Siddle (1), Southern (1).

Referee: Andy Black (Durham).