The fact that both sides are in the same league, and will meet again over two points on January 29th, doesn't appear to be diminishing interest in the traditional game.

Any thought our coaches may have had of concentrating on Morpeth's visit on January 8th were dispelled by the players themselves who are eager to figure in the 200th game. That's why Messrs Rudd and Davies will make up the second row and Tones, Sawyer and Bennett the back row. It's also why Davy Tighe is so relieved to be passed fit, after his knock at Driffield, and why former Westie Iain Dixon has been training with us over recent weeks, as well as with his current club Mowden Park. Iain will be on the bench.

There is still a big doubt over Mark Cholmondeley who has a badly bruised foot, but Peter Hodgson did train last night after receiving hospital treatment following a nasty knock at Driffield.

The bench will include our first choice second rows and our in-form back row Jon Boatman. It also features the rising talent of flying winger cum centre Chris Lambert who is 17 on Boxing Day. He is the first of the very talented Under 17's to make it into the first team squad and there will be many more.

West15 Phil Wallis 14 Martin Todd 13 Peter Hodsgon 12 Allan Milne 11 Andrew Hare 10 Davy Tighe [capt] 9 Darren Thomas 1 Mark Cholmondeley 2 Anth Carr 3 Ryan Phillips 4 Paul Rudd 5 Andrew Davies 6 Henry Tones 7 Tim Sawyer 8 Stuart Bennett [capt]

Reps: Carl Miller, Phil Henderson, Jon Boatman, Dan Boatman, Iain Dixon, Chris Lambert, Greg Edwards.

For once Rovers will be coming to Brinkburn as favourites. The arrival of Andy Foreman has brought new confidence to the side and they have won five games in a row to take them four points clear of us. He'll be at centre on Sunday with his brothers lining up at scrum half and full back.

Rovers:15 Brian Foreman 14 Paul Kirton 13 Simon Rutherford 12 Andrew Foreman 11 Andrew Lilley 10 Michael Walton 9 Gareth Foreman 1 Glen Wise 2 Johnny Nicholls 3 Robin Todd 4 Mark Power [capt] 5 Dave Carroll 6 Stuart Ryder 7 Steve Wallis 8 Michael Charlton

Reps: Phil Hall, Mattie Wilson, Paul Arnell, Andrew Arnell, Steve Smith, Darren Smith, Simon Hall.