Defences were definitely not on top  at Brinkburn as a grand total  of 84 points were racked up – following on from  the 80 scored in the defeat at Percy Park last week. Things may slow down when the pitches get a bit clarty.

West were never behind in the game against a newly promoted Ryton side boasting a beefy pack and some enterprising backs.

They went ahead after just three minutes when Sam Knight broke clear from a West line-out. When he was tackled, Eliott Reed, who together with  Jake Linighan was lively throughout, was in support (above). Jobe Roxby notching the first of his six conversions.

Five minutes later Aidan Jackson-Smith celebrated his first game of the season with a trademark steal at the breakdown, followed by a sharp 20 meter burst to the line (above).

West’s progress was hindered when Roxby was sin-binned for a deliberate offside as Ryton strove to get back in the game . However, while he was taking a rest it was his side which added to their tally.

Winger Sam Knight, fresh from his hat-trick in North Shields last week, intercepted in his own 22 and his heels could not have been cleaner as he raced to the  posts, giving stand-in kicker Matty  Baggs an easy shot at the extras.

Ryton were 21-0 down after just 13 minutes. However, they fought their way back into the game when prop Clayton Walker burst into the West 22 - swerving past full back Matt Siddle on his way the line. Centre Owen Reed added the extra two points and also went on to have an immaculate kicking record.

The crowd had to wait all of  ten minutes for the next score. Itt came as Ryton were able to make progress up the left wing through their powerful forwards with No.8 Dan Lax taking the final scoring pass.

West’s  lead was now down to just seven  points and stirring  memories of Percy Park’s comeback last week.

Those fears were temporarily dispelled from the re-start with West forcing a penalty in front of the Ryton posts. The scrum option was taken by skipper Chris Atkins and he proved it was the right one as he collected at the base to send scrum half Baggs over (above).

Hopes that West would calm things down and go into the break with a two score lead didn’t  last long. Ryton marched  back up the pitch and  were able to  use their heavy pack to drive over with giant prop Matt Hardy  unstoppable.

West lost full back Siddle to injury shortly after the restart - Max Tennant coming onto the wing and Will Hilditch dropping to full-back.

It didn’t take long for Tennant to make his mark in his first league outing,  going over in the left corner courtesy of a sharp pass from Roxby who then nailed the conversion from out wide to restore that  14 -point lead.

But once again Ryton came back. Scrum half Harrison Dunne was quick to take advantage of a penalty to tap and go from just outside the 22. He found player coach Dustin Port who was no doubt  delighted to score his side’s try bonus point.

Matt Baggs then showed what he could do as West scored a copy-cat try to  take the score to 42-28.  It was the lively  Jackson-Smith who was again in support after the home scrum half almost made it to the posts.

Sam Knight was unlucky to knock on as he went for the corner to seal West’s victory, but it was Roxby who finished off the home scoring after his drop-goal attempt floated wide of the posts. However, the ball had touched a Ryton hand on the way. From the resulting ten meter scrum the West stand-off was able to create space to go over and add another seven points to his personal contribution.

Ryton were beaten but not finished,  and they scored their fifth try of the afternoon  on the final whistle. This time it was their backs who showed what they could do as they  created the space on the right for full back Robson to finish things off.

After so many months without a game West will be at home again next week as Penrith visit. The Cumbrians are tipped for a quick return to Regional One but, like West, lost a high scoring game at Percy Park this week going down  66-48. There may be another try-fest.

West: Matt Siddle, Sam Knight, Ollie Connolly, Peter Youll, Will Hilditch, Jobe Roxby, Matt Baggs, Liam Pennick, Hayden Hodgson, Andrew Rollins, Elliott Reed, Jake Linighan, Charlie Kay, Aidan Jackson-Smith, Chris Atkins (capt).

Reps (all used): Max Tennant, Joe Cholmondeley, Ryan O’Keefe.

Tries: Reed, Jackson-Smith (2), Knight, Baggs, Tennant, Roxby.

Cons: Roxby (6) Baggs (1).

Yellow: Roxby.

Ryton: Sam Robson, Simon Smith, Harry Johnstone,, Owen Reed, Eddie Meek, Andrew Oxley, Harrison Dunne, Clayton Walker, Dustin Port, Matt Hardy, Ashton Ilinic, Jack Klein, Peter Ash, Jack Patterson, Dan Lax.

Reps (all used); Taylor Owen, Nathaniel Ohimor, Seb Boreham.

Tries: Walker, Lax, Hardy, Port, Robson.

Cons: Reed (5)

Referee: Louis Dinsdale ( Durham Society)