Think he deserves a thread of his own tonight. His first spell was outstanding and personally think Westerman may struggle to get back in the team if he keeps playing like he has the last few weeks.

Been a massive fan since he joined the club. Doing very well.

He ran some great lines in the first half and shadowed Horne - was just a shame no-one followed that break up the middle.

Westerman has been our best and most consistent forward this year, but nobody should be dropped from that team tonight.
I really hope Gentle doesn't take the easy option and drop a bench player (Bowden).

I think Westy has to come in when fit but on the bench.

I think he might though, mate. Westy was in top form before his knock, straight back in when he's fit.

I understand what you're both saying, and there's no greater fan of Westy than me on here, but nobody should be dropped from tonight's team.

If anyone comes back in for Bowden, it will be Watts.

Think tickle back next week as well as watts Galea Arundel. Holy smokes can't believe it.!!!
Galea wouldn't get in n I'm not a hater,
Arundel no same as above.
Bowden was best I've seen him tonight-put some right shots in-but would make way for watts.
Westy for Johnston again harsh.
N if tickle back I'm stumped. I'm one of Pitts biggest fans but can see him missing out.

watts in for green or Bowden but wouldn't bring tickle back. If westy is fit bring him and watts in for Bowden and green

I disagree, nobody deserves to be dropped in terms of effort and commitment but if an incoming player will improve the team and then somebody has to make way.
Take Liam Watts for example, he will definitely improve the team that was out there tonight so for me someone has to make way, probably Bowden.

Exactly

This is my take on it, too.

So people bang on all season about picking guys on form and nobody should just walk into the team, then completely change tact when it suits?

Who deserves to be dropped then?

To me no one deserves to be dropped the team is starting to come together now and why change that the guys we have in now are playing out of their skin.

Putting Watts and Westerman back in could be said to be picking players on form. Was Bowden better tonight than Watts has been in his last few games?

I'm not arguing that it's not probably the best thing to do for the team, I'm arguing that it's unfair for anyone to be dropped from tonight's team.

Nobody deserves it obviously, but this is professional sport and you play your strongest team and watts and westerman are part of our strongest team.

But couldn't you also argue that it's unfair for Westerman to lose out when he's played well all season. It wasn't his fault he missed tonight.

Since switching to the back row his form has exploded, I really hope we don't see him at prop again.

I've been banging the Westerman drum all season but I agree Pitts has earnt the shirt and there's a case for leaving Westerman's return for now. Would certainly bring Watts back for Bowden, though. That's nothing against Bowden, I just think Watts has been playing better.

Watts for Bowden. Pitts to retain his place for me.

Westerman to the bench?

Replacing who?

This competition for places is only going to push the players to perform even better. Something we've been lacking for years.

Competition for places is superb now. All down to the progress of the young players and gentles willingness to play them.