To be honest work commitments and injuries have dictated the selection, but it is a team where players are in their more traditional positions. So Mash is back at 15 and Tighe at scrum half. Carl Miller is back from work commitments and stands in for the unavailable Rudd and Henderson alongside Davies in the second row.

Both Boatmans are in the back row, with Tim Sawyer at No.8, and with Henry Tones on the bench after his recent injury. Greg Edwards, who has done a sterling job in the centre, is also on the bench and will probably prefer to come on in the back row than the backs.

So far the Cup has been a mixed blessing. It's given us two wins against lower league opposition, the chance for some much needed confidence, but expenses are not paid until the fourth round so it's proving a liability in terms of travel costs and missed gate and bar takings.

But we can hardly complain compared to Stockport who are drawn at home for the first cup game in 10. They're flying high and unbeaten at the top of N2W,and put 60 points on Aspatria in Cumbria last week.If Penrith are anything to go by the league is a strong one.

Stockport will be just about at full strength apart from back row Ben Kerr - yes the one who played the odd game for West alonsgide Falcons and Mowden Park brother Gareth. Both lads came up from the West junior set up and were part of Stabler's pre-season squad which had a great week in Cork a couple of years ago. Ben has a shoulder injury and will be gutted about missing the chance to play West.

Quite what team he would have faced is open to conjecture. Will the lads rally round the club and dig deep for one of the performances they pull out at places like Westoe?

The motivation is there. Dave Stubbs won't be! But the heir apparent is already making it clear that this is a fresh start and all of the first team and development squad players need to fight for their places.

West: Masshedar, Thomas, Hodgson, Milne, Todd, Wallis, Tighe [capt], Carr, Cullinane, Robinson, Davies C Miller, D Boatman, J Boatman, Sawyer, Reps: Tones, Edwards, Lambert Palmer.