We enjoy our trips across the A66 to Cumbria but sadly Davidson Park has not been a happy hunting ground, thus far. They do have a very smart new clubhouse, perhaps that will bring us better luck.

Last season we beat Keswick 50-17 at home but lost 26-24 in the away leg . That was despite scoring four tries in the first half with the game  decided by an unfortunate penalty try. Will Hilditch going for a ball wide on the left and on the 22. He led with two hands and would probably have gone the length if he’d caught it, but he didn’t. The award of a penalty try taking an age to come.

The previous  season we lost twice in a couple of weeks – 24-12 in the league and then 28-24 in the ill-fated Papa Johns.

That’s water under the bridges of the adjacent Rivers Greta and Derwent. They were in flood two weeks ago, which meant that Keswick couldn’t entertain Morpeth,  and so have played one game less than West, who are just one point ahead.

Once again there are changes to the side which ran in six tries in last week’s 41-24 defeat of a hard-working Aspatria.

Sam Knight scored a second half-trick but can’t travel this week,  as a result  Matty Baggs starts at scrum half with Matt Siddle returning to full-back and Will Hilditch back on the wing.

Up front Liam Pennick returns alongside the in-form Aidan Jackson-Smith and Andrew Rollins. Nick Bennions will be looking to add to his leading try-scorer tally and will pack down in the second row with Ryan O’Keefe.

In the back row Alex Barker starts at No.8 with Chino Rocha and Charlie Kay alongside and Connor McLurg waiting to make an impact from the bench.

Hayden Hodgson looked sharp when he came off the bench for his debut last week,  and he will provide front-row cover again with Kyle Jamieson covering the backs.

The Bucks will have their usual mix of young and old ready to take on City at Brinkburn with a 3.00 kick off.