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Locals seek league points

23/ 9/2005

Rugby Union

ROCHDALE travel to Bowden for this afternoon's league encounter.

The Cheshire side have improved dramatically and should provide stiff opposition for the visitors.

Bowden have a number of overseas players on their books and the signs are it will be a close match. It is many years since the two sides met and both are going into unknown territory.

For Rochdale, Andy Rowlinson comes in at centre, Hamish McDonald at prop and Jonathon Rhodes in the second row, to give coach Mick Gould almost a full complement.

The second team have a hard game against Vale of Lune, but with a string of victories under their belt they will be looking for a win. Captain Andy O'Brien has got a good squad together and their motivation is high. The backs look well balanced and, providing the forwards can get sufficient possession, they should get the result.

Jason Bamford returns to the third team against Bury and the Vets go into the pool

FIRST XV (v Bowden, away, meet club at noon): G Barlow, D Greenhalgh, H McDonald, J Rhodes, A Badenhorst, L Riddle, M Bradwell, R Hartley, D James, C Collins,T Valentyn, C Johnson, A Rowlinson, A Tilley, P Swindon, D Healey, A Howarth, D Clancy.

SECOND XV (v Vale of Lune, home, meet 1.30pm.): T Owen, A O'Brien, D Slamen, P Atkin, S Barlow, M Duffin, D Bamford, P Collins, R Neave, B Dixon, D Bowers, B Cullen, J Mair, C Kane, R Blackburn.

THIRD XV (v Bury, away, meet 1.30pm): R Ward, J Finn, N Donoghue, S Candler, J Bamford, D Priestley, S Humphries, C Nield, A Douglas, J Finnigan, C Jones, A Spiteri, O Horne, J Hartnett, D Bailey, J Barton, L Douglas, S Benson, J Smithies, K Ahmed.

VETS (Pool game): As carded.