The senior squad have continued to train on the 3G pitch at Dyke House and will take on a side who were the only ones to play last week thanks to their own artificial surface. That resulted in a handsome win against Rossendale giving the Stockport club a much needed boost up the league.

That game was a fitting tribute to  Josh Merrick an up and coming 19 year old who was tragically found dead in bed while on a work trip to Glasgow with dad Andrew. The pair were leading lights at Burnage, and actually played together in the club's third team.

Josh's funeral is being held today and the thoughts and sympathy of everyone at West goes to his family, friends and teammates.

Burnage will arrive at Brinkburn in a comfortable eighth place after last week's win. By contrast we are still second from bottom with only Kendal below and facing a points deduction of ten points.

The club fielded full back Simon Mulholland after he had been deregistered because his work permit had expired. Kendal are appealing that penalty which would see them effectively relegated.

We will continue with a youthful pack wheree Sam Miller moves to No 8 and Adam Coate gives his suntan an aitring from thye start with Ross Wood covering on the bench.

In the backs Andrew Foreman starts at scrum half with Andrew Cheslin back in the centre alongside Greg Edwards.

Peter Youll is unavailable however Tom Armstrong is fit again to return on the wing.

West: Colin Cheslin, Tom Armstrong, Andrew Cheslin, Greg Edwards, Scott Butcher, Stu Waites, Andrew Foreman, Ian Pinchen, Andrew Dixon, Adam Coates, Nathan Myers, Michael Hogan,  Dan Boatman [capt], Jon Boatman, Sam Miller. Reps: Ross Wood, Alex Barker, Ryan Painter.

Burnage:  Rob Wellock,  Chris Kornecki, Stuart Oldham [Capt], Adam Knight, Andrew Dowdall, Sam Jennings,  Jonny Scholes,  Jim Williams,  Zak Hammond, Chris Keane,  Nick Scholes,  Phil Edge, Andrew Ashcroft,  George Birtle, Oli Hewitt. Reps: Hassan Ben Ahmed, Andrew O’Sullivan, Ben Robertson.