Injuries difficulty for Dale

ROCHDALE 1st XV take on mid-table Altrincham who have had a reasonable start to the season.

The injury woes continue for coach Mike Gould, still with several players out, he will be hoping to get this game in the bag then give everyone a week’s rest with no league fixtures the following weekend.

Dale Slamon and Tom Callaghan return in the front row and Robbie Willetts comes in for brother James who is unavailable this week.

Rob Wadsworth also comes back in and slots into the back row with the hardworking Hindle and Andy Redfern.

Matt Buckley earns another game after his good start to 1st team rugby and Gui de Sousa returns to form a second row with old head Tom Helliwell.

A win is vital and Rochdale should be just strong enough for that.Players meet 12.30pm at the club.

T Callaghan, R Ward, D Slamon, Gui de Sousa, T Helliwell, A Redfern, R Wadsworth, T Hindle, D Serridge, J Duffy, R Willetts, O Coldman, J Schofield, M Buckley, J Flitcroft, H Hill, J Bradley, H Hayes.

Rochdale’s 2nd XV play league leaders Wirral at Moorgate Avenue.

A good competitive game last week against Stockport will stand Dale in good staed for this tough encounter. Meet at club 12.30pm

D Murphy, A O’Brien, Mr Parry, P Swinden, B Coulter, G Hornby, J Holt, S Humphries, J Woolfenden, J Warburton, D James, TBC, J Mair, R Clegg, A Howorth, Z Hartley, C Nield.

The 3rd XV face Vale of Lune at home, meet 1.30pm at the club. This is another difficult game for the thirds, who are now beginning to gel as a unit. Aaron Beresford has a strong squad to choose from and a result would be most welcome.

G Smith, C Timlin, A O’Brien, D Smith, A Beresford, A Smith, C Nield, J Godber, T Porter, J Finnegan, A Dean, P Sipowitz, J Gilligan, W Greaves, S Campbell, A Barclay, J Kershaw, S Baxter.

Rochdale’s 4th XV take on Carrington 2’s away, meet at club at 12.30pm

Rochdale 4th XV, will be as carded, anyone unsure of selection, please turn up with your boots at the meeting time.