Dale targeting repeat display
ROCHDALE turned in one of the season’s better performances when they beat Vale of Lune at Moorgate Avenue in February and they will be hoping to repeat that victory at Powderhouse Lane today.
Jim Flitcroft is played at fullback for the absent Oli Coldman and Daz James gets the nod at scrum half whilst Dom Serridge is out with injury.
The team had no game last week and having only played two games in the last month, it means that there could be issues with match fitness.
Dom Macklin continues with his fine run of form and Tom Helliwell gets back in the pack.
Dale need to add to their league points tally as this league is by no means over for the bottom-five clubs. There are places left on the coach for spectators if anyone wants to travel.
T Callaghan, J Bradley, H Hill, A
Foster, T Helliwell, T Hindle, R Hartley, C Hodgkinson,D James J Duffy, R West, D Macklin, J Schofield,J Reynolds, J Flitcroft, S Worrall, A Tweedale,G Desousa. Rochdale seconds were beaten handsomely at Lymm in the early part of the season and would hope to have a much more competitive match today. Rochdale have suffered several heavy defeats against some of the counties higher placed league sides.
The league structure has now been changed for next season and matches that are more relevant and closer in score and standard should be attainable. Games with mismatched opponents do neither side any good and the league has shown good judgement in tackling this issue. Well done to the players and officials who highlighted the situation and gained the necessary outcome.
P Swinden, Mr Parry, D Murphy, R Wadsworth, A Riddell, S Humphries, J Castree, J Woolfenden, B Crossley, J Willetts, B Humphries, J Mair, S Campbell, A Howorth, R Blackburn, D Joesbury, R Clegg.
The third XV move back to the league program with a game at Trafford Metrovick after last week’s narrow defeat against Clitheroe in the “Bowl” competition. Commiserations to them. Meet at club 12.30pm, players see website for details.
The fourth team are at home against Altrincham Kersal, meet at the club at 1.15pm Players see website for details. All players not contacted please meet at the arranged time, with your boots. All kick offs are 3pm.