While it would perhaps be misleading to suggest that they were indifferent to the 11-10 defeat in the third round of the National Trophy – inflicted by an injury time penalty – they were hardly distraught.

For Gareth Nesbit's men got the result their travelling supporters suspected they wanted most: Injuries nil.

They had opted not to start with their strongest side and appeared not to play with the full-blooded commitment that had enabled them to rise from a humiliating second game 63-8 thrashing at Hull with nine successive league victories since to be level-pegging with their tormenters in the battle for the North One crown.

And, lo, the Humbersiders were due to travel to Wood Terrace the following Saturday.

As everyone now knows, Dunes Adventure Island-sponsored Westoe gained sweet revenge with a 40-19 win and kept their noses in front for the rest of the season to be elevated into National 2 North as champions.

One thing is for certain, when the Shieldsmen again make the 200-mile trip to the Midlands tomorrow, there will be no questioning their determination and endeavour.

For after something of a faltering start to their first campaign among the National hierarchy, they have asserted themselves with three victories in the last four games, two away from home against Loughborough Students and at Hull – and, boy, how they relished that!

And last Saturday's 33-17 win at home against Kendal was achieved with 10 of the first XV squad sidelined by injury.

Exhilarating in the first half when four tries were scored in flowing, sure-handed attacks, they lost their edge after the interval when their opponents had much the better of things.

Nes, in his sixth season at the helm, said: "We were disappointed with ourselves that we let things slip and we all know there is room for improvement and that we have more to offer.

"The fact that we won well with so many injuries indicates the strength of our squad. It is important because with 24 tough games ahead, there are bound to be more casualties along the way."

He knows what a confidence booster it would be to come away from Broadstreet with three successive wins under the belt and declared: "We must be on top of our game for the full 80 minutes."

A tough match is in prospect. The Midlanders have won four of the six games so far, beating hosts Rugby Lions 12-0 in a hard, attritional derby last Saturday in which their solid pack was the deciding factor.

Westoe's injury woes are eased by the return to the squad of Raymie Elliott, Chris Clark and Tom Burnham while Chris Judson is included in the Seconds against Tynedale.