No nasty squalls back at Brinkburn, unless you were a Blaydon supporter,  as the Stags recorded a tremendous 65-21 CaNDY league win over the Tynesiders’ second string. Former Academy full-back Max Tobin scoring an early brace,  and at the other end of the age spectrum Scott Butcher continuing to show his class, including one try from the half-way.

In Kirkby Stephen the strong gusts were blowing down the length of the scenic Upper Eden pitch,  with frequent heavy showers sending spectators scurrying  for the shelter of the clubhouse. The home side had the elements at their backs in the first half as they looked to build a score, however West’s pack had other ideas as they laid the foundations for the victory.

It didn’t take the hosts long to get the first score - South African fly-half Aiden Muller putting in an up and under which bounced kindly for centre Dan Todd to beat Ollie Connolly to the touchdown. Muller adding the extras.

Undaunted the West forwards forced their way back up the pitch and, after concerted pressure in the home 22, it was second-row Nick Bennions who forced his way over with Jobe Roxby’s conversion levelling the score.

Muller restored his side’s lead with a penalty,  then put in an intelligent gale assisted grubber kick which had the West defence backpedalling. Upper Eden gained possession and, when the ball was moved right, James Birkbeck was able to crash over in the corner with Muller’s conversion attempt wide.

Unfortunately, a valiant effort at stopping the Upper Eden prop  ended with a dazed Max Tennant having to be led from the field. A cruel blow for last season’s top try-scorer on his comeback from injury. Ben Reed replacing him on the wing.

Worse was soon to follow for West as skipper Chris Atkins suffered a knee injury on the half-hour. Ollie Webster replacing him with Connor McLurg moving to No 8.

The West pack had been dominant. That’s the way it remained despite the changes with West Man of the Match Charlie Kay doing a tremendous job as a stand-in line-out target.

The reward came with the decisive try of the game just before the break. Concerted pressure once again forcing Upper Eden to defend with Will Hilditch almost scoring.However, they couldn’t stop Connolly crashing over as Kieran Scollay timed his pass to perfection (above).

Roxby’s conversion was just wide, but as the heaven’s opened West were able to gather for the half-time team talk just three points adrift.

Upper Eden had sought the sanctuary of the dressing room during the interval and came out knowing they’d have to battle both the gale and West. It didn’t take long for them to realise the enormity of the task as the visitors forced a scrum in the home 22,  with McLurg peeling off to power his way over. Roxby giving his side a 19-15 lead.

Muller reduced that margin to just one point with a penalty, but that proved to be the end of the home scoring. Most of the second period was played in the Upper Eden half,  with a combination of determined home tackling and difficult handling conditions thwarting West’s attempt to score the bonus point try. It finally came on 65 minutes.

A Roxby kick to the corner seeing Charlie Kay take good line-out ball.  Bennions just too powerful as he went over for his second deserved try of the afternoon - Roxby giving his side an important two-score margin.

Upper Eden’s attempts to get back in the game were thwarted by the West pack who at one stage won three successive scrum penalties.

Referee Matt Dunn produced the only yellow  card of the game in the last few minutes giving  second-row Isaac Dent a respite from the nasty squall which marked the end of the game.

West face more Cumbrian opposition next week with Aspatria, just one place above West, the visitors.

Upper Eden: James Bowman, Matt Brass, Luc Mouton, Dan Todd, Sam Edgar, Aiden Muller, Richard Addison, Sam Birkbeck, Tom Mooney, James Birkbeck, Travis Simpson, Isaac Dent, Fin Tose, Will Birkbeck, Andy Major (capt).

Rep (all used);Jordan Newitt, Matt Sanderson, Rob Dent.

Tries: Todd, J Birkbeck.

Con: Muller.

Pen: Muller.

Yellow: Dent.

West: Ollie Connolly, Will Hiditch, Peter Youll, Kieran Scollay, Max Tennant, Jobe Roxby, Matt Siddle, Liam Pennick, Aidan Jackson-Smith, Andrew Rollins, Nick Bennions, Elliott Reed, Connor McLurg, Charlie Kay, Chris Atkins (capt).

Reps (all used): Adam Hutchison, Ben Reed, Ollie Webster.

Tries: Bennions (2), Connolly, McLurg.

Cons: Roxby (3).

Referee: Matt Dunn (Durham).