Rochdale RUFC Details for Saturday 13.3.10

Rochdale’s first XV travel to Birkenhead Park today with the knowledge that they beat ‘Park at home by a one point margin, however the Wirral men remain unbeaten at home and a tough game is the likely outcome.

Injuries to Rob Neave and Dominic Greenhalgh spoil today’s side remaining much the same. In comes the evergreen Andy O’Brien, Rob Ward will have another chance to show his worth and Leo Freshou makes a welcome return in the back row. Sean Campbell retains his place after a resplendent performance against Beverley as does David Healey. Daz James comes back in at scrum half which means there will be no shortage of chatter on the field.

The second XV play hosts to Fylde 3rds. Dave Hodges men look a strong outfit on paper but will need to be at their best to take anything from a side three places higher in the league. Captain Danny Bamford has powerhouse Chris Kane up front and Will Birtwell plays after gaining some valuable experience in the first team.

Rochdale third team are also at home, this time to Glossop 3s. After last week defeat at the hands of the ‘Dale fourth team they need to get back on track. Glossop lay six places below ‘Dale who now seek to obliterate last week’s effort.

Flush with their success last week, and closing to within three points of second place. The Fourth’s are away at Aldwinians. The Manchester outfit are only a couple of points off the pace. Stalwart Tim Taylor is injured with exertion, and the experience Mark Duffin unavailable, the Fourth’s will be up against it this week. As usual Mr Finnegan is turning out to save on gate money.

Spectators please note the coach is due to leave at 12.00 noon.

Team selections:
1st XV. v Birkenhead Park away. Meet 11.45am. T Callaghan, A O’Brien, N Sunderland, D Healey, T Helliwell, R Hartley, M Bradwell (C), L Freshou, D James, S Collins, S Campbell, J Mair, W Van Zyl, R Blackburn, J Flitcroft, B Cullen, A Redmond, J Rhodes

2nd XV. v Fylde 3rds. Home. Meet 1.30pm. W Birtwell, D Bamford ©, R Ward, C Kane, A Foster, S Joesbury, C Hodgkinson, P Collins, A Tweedale, J Johnson, A Howarth, O Coldman, J Finnegan, R Blackburn, D Bowers, M Geary, G Wolfenden, T Rigby

3rd XV. v Glossop home. Meet 1.30pm. P Swinden, J McDougall, H Hill, O Horne, S Maguire, C Nield, S Candler, A Donoghue, S Humphries, P Testet, B Crossley, G Stubbs, D Baron, R Tweedale, B Knowles, J Smithies, R Turnbull, N Whitehead, D Slamen

4th XV. v Aldwinians Away. Meet 12.45pm. S Sladen, P Finnegan, T Owens, D Smith, M Allen, D Kelly,T Hindle, G Smith, R Baker, E Timlin, G Humphries, B Lundergan, M Cryer, C Duffin, D Elcock, J Brierley, B Reynolds, A Gudmunson, A Redfern, A Candlin, plus Tommy