Unfortunately, the CaNDY league game between Northern and West Stags at McCracken Park was called off as the home team were unable to raise a side.

That allowed a lot of the  West senior squad to enjoy the absorbing battle at Brinkburn where 17 year-old scrum half Joe Cholmondeley had a very promising league debut.

Northern had the benefit of the strong wind in the first half, but stout home defence restricted them to only one try – a close range effort from Josh Cooms after a catch and drive. That followed a penalty where West flanker Isaac Robinson  was sin-binned – taking one for his team .

Fly half  Will Jobling adding the conversion. He was also successful with three penalties from almost the same spot on the West 22 as the home side infringed at the breakdown.

Northern were 16-0 up before West had spent any time in their 22. However, it did look as though they had scored on their first concerted attack just before the break. It came from a catch and drive with Andrew Rollins driven over as  Northern piled the bodies in - referee Matt Dunn ruling  the West prop had been held up over the line.

With the wind at their backs West came out for the second half with all guns firing and immediately reduced that 16 point deficit.

Skipper Chris Atkins was stopped short of the line but replacement prop  Adam Hutchinson made no mistake as the ball was recycled -  providing fly-half Jobe Roxby  with  an easy conversion.

It looked Like West had added a second when Sam Knight (above)took as long ball wide on the right, He was able to race 25 metres to the corner to go in  behind the posts. The Northern touch judge had not flagged,  but the referee brought play back ruling that  the winger had a foot in  touch as he received the ball.

West continued  to look lively, however a well organised Northern continued to threaten through their powerful backs  and restoring their 16 point lead after 50 minutes.

 A grubber kick up the right wing looked to be covered by full back Matt Siddle,  however it took a bobble,  as he went to collect five metres out, and Northern winger Oli Skinner gratefully accepted the opportunity with Jobling adding the conversion.

West refused to lie down and concerted pressure eventually told with a yellow card for Northen prop Matthew Siddle followed immediately by another for second row Joe Fearns. Mr Dunn awarding West a penalty try.

With 15 minutes left,  and Northern down to 13 , the opportunity was there for West to  level the scores. Instead,  it was Northern who scored the final try of the afternoon and to give their promotion ambitions a massive boost. Strong running from the backs creating  a big gap in the home defence for No 8. Rob Lenderyou to crash over between the posts.

With Northern  restored to 15 they were able to run the clock down and leave with a deserved four points.

Next week West travel to Sunderland, one of the surprise packages after their promotion, looking to end the year with a win and a return  to the top half of the league.

West: Matt Siddle, Sam Knight, Ollie Connolly, Peter Youll,  Will Hildtch, Jobe Roxby, Joe Cholmondeley, Liam Pennick , Aidan Jackson-Smith, Andrew Rollins, Nick Bennions, Elliott Reed, Charlie Kay, Isaac Robinson, Chris Atkins (capt).

Reps (all used): Lewis Scott, Adam Hutchsoinon, Connor McLurg.

Tries: Hutchinson, Pen. Try.

Con: Roxby

Yellow: Robinson

Northern: Rob Griffin, Ben Bishop, Nyle Godsmark, Jake Parry, Oli DSkinner, Will Jobling, Ali Gray, Josh Cooms, Ross Olesky, Matthew Siddle, Dom Warby, Jope Fearns, Ben Akister, Tom McCullough (capt), Rob Lenderyou.

Reps (all used): Matthew Webster, Jordan Webster, Jimmy Howarth.

Tries: Coombs, Skinner,  Lenderyou,

Cons: Jobling (2)

Pens: Jobling (3)

Yellow: Siddle, Fearns.

Referee: Matt Dunn (Durham)