Grant has been with the club since a young boy and has been a rock for the team over recent seasons. We wish him luck and look forward to seeing him again soon.

Also good to see a contingent of ex-players and coaches who took the opportunity to meet up with another old-boy and Novos coach, Magnus Leask.

Westoe started up the famous Westoe slope against Novos and soon found this wasn't going to be the easy win they suspected.

With a shaky, slow start they found a Novos side ready to bring the match to them, with some solid strike running and determined attack. Westoe's customary defence kicked in with some strong scavenging from flanker Paul Evans and big hits led by Andy Kirton and hooker Grant Walker.

Missing three props, Westoe thought they may struggle to dominate the scrum; however stand-in prop James Sant, proved them wrong with a solid performance throughout.

The first try came after 15 minutes when Westoe piled the pressure on a Novos scrum on their line, the ball spilling out the back for Paul Evans to pounce and recycle the ball to Jake Arnold who found a gap and ghost under the posts for a converted score. 7-0

Novos turned up the pressure, within metres of Westoe's line, they tried to force their way over. Strong defence held them at bay until a penalty was awarded. Within minutes, poor discipline led to Novos second three-pointer of the day. 7-6 after 33 minutes.

A fired-up Novos team took the lead for the first time after a line-out was neatly collected and driven over after 37 minutes. 7-11

With seconds to go in the half, Novos kicked long and Ross Macauley fielded the ball and sprinted 60 meters up the slope with a short pass to Michael Potts who blasted his way through the last defenders to score his first of the day. 12-11 half time.

The second half found Westoe in the ascendancy winning both territory and possession, keeping Novos pinned down in their own half.

It took Westoe 20 minutes to break down the determined Novos side with Michael Potts yet again taking route one straight through the defence for his second converted try. 19-11

Now firing on all cylinders the Westoe pack tore into their opponents. Taking a high ball, Andy Kirton drove forward creating the smallest of gaps for second-row partner John Younghusband, who ploughed 50 metres down the hill. Chris Judson flung the ball wide for Potts to secure both his hat-trick and the four-try bonus point. 24-11

With Westoe now in total control, their fifth try came straight from the training paddock. Chris Judson taking the ball wide from the ruck and drawing the defence. Sam Gaff took an excellent line for the offload to cross under the posts after 28 minutes of the half. 31-11

Westoe crossed for their sixth of the match, the ball being spun wide, Sam Gaff throwing a cheeky back-hand pass to Michael Booth who finished off the day with a five-point win. Final Score 36-11

Westoe retain their second placed spot, one point below league leaders Northern.