The game kicks off at 3.00, and will be split into four 20 minute sessions to allow as many players as possible to blow the summer cobwebs away.

We will have a lot of familiar faces missing with the the likes of Owen Bennett, Aaron Myers, the Painters, Peter Youll and Scott Butcher all away.

But we will have Rob Thorn back, after his exile in the south, and Colin Cheslin has made a very welcome return to training - a West side without one of the twins in it just doesn't seem right.

The game also provides a wonderful opportunity for some of the young lads to have a go at senior rugby. Matty Crowe has joined from Billingham, and the 17 year old will be at scrum half with Reg Bunter's son also getting  a chance to show his undoubted potential in the second row.

With so many of last season's first choice backs away, this weekend also provides opportunities for the likes of winger Joe Willis and Lewis Wilson from the Colts to make the step up.

Rochdale always provide attractive opposition and they will be bringing 25 or more players. Rochdale preview.

After hosting them on a number  of occasions in our former 1960's  girls hockey changing rooms, it will be a pleasure to accommodate 'Dale in more salubrious surroundings. There are six dressing rooms in the new block plus male ref's changing, female ref's changing, physio room and a faith changing and disabled changing room. We are also busy fitting out the 90 sq.m fitness room which isn't quite ready yet.

With a decent forecast Elmo is threatening a bbq, and the England v France (20:00) and Ireland v Scotland (17:00) games will be on the big screen.