Black's injury is a blow as he has been easing himself back into the game after breaking his leg while playing for Blaydon. He has been excellent on the wing, and looked more than impressive when he returned to the back row for the first time on Saturday.
Blackie scored the first try but did leave the pitch early through a combination of his knee injury, and the effects of a stomach virus.
Stu Bennett led from the front as usual on Saturday and has two shiners to prove it. Both his eyelids needed stitches and it is touch and go whether he will be fit for Westoe.
Fortunately, we now have excellent cover in the back row with options involving Chocky, Tim Sawyer, Anth Carr and Carl Miller.