It looks very much like the First XV will be training at Brinkburn most of the winter with the possibility of sharing the lights which the Amateurs have installed during the summer.

West train Tuesdays and Thursday and the Am's on Mondays and Wednesday so it should be of benefit to both clubs.

Its not expected that there will be much change in personnel this summer. Its been widely reported that Michael Cook has been made an offer by Tynedale and, as he's studying in Newcastle, its an option he's got to consider. Cooky was an unsung hereo over the past two seasons, and a very promising prop, so everyone at West would love him to stay.

On a more positive note Andrew Hare will be going to Uni in Newcastle and that means the promising winger is able to start fighting for his place in the starting line-up.

Michael Walton has got a job in the area, as has Allan Milne, so both should be available all season and that will make a massive difference. So will a return to fitness for Mark Thompson after his double broken jaw. Thommo and Milney have been dreadfully unblucky ... surely they're both due a long run in the side.

Stabs has one or two irons in the fire for experienced players but, at last, he has a settled squad for a season when the club intends to cement its position .... both in the leagues and with a new clubhouse at Brinkburn.

This is the way the squad is shaping

Front Row: Cholmondeley, Cullinane, Robinson, Geritz and possibly Cook.

Second RowWebb, Davies, Baggs.

Back RowHodgson, Sawyer, Rudd, Tones, Bennett.Scrum half Tighe, Thomas.

Fly HalfConnolly, Stabler.

Centre:Milne, Thompson, Cuff

Wings: Hare, Barff, Lassey

Full BackWalton.