Orwell tonic for Waterhead

RUGBY: DAVE Orwell is expected to give Waterhead coach Andy Sands a boost for tomorrow’s trip to National Conference League Division One basement boys Eccles (2.30pm).

The big forward sat out last weekend’s clash at Hunslet Warriors because of an ankle injury – he was one half-a-dozen first-teamers absent in the 52-12 defeat – but the signs are that he is ready to return.

Also in line for a comeback is back-row man Mitchell Birch. He has been sidelined for three weeks suffering from a shoulder problem.

Sands is glad to have the pair available for the away day, especially as influential trio Keiran Grennan, Martin Sarsfield and Craig Highton are all missing tomorrow.

And while Sarsfield and Highton are short-term absentees, Grennan is facing up to four weeks off as he recovers from a foot operation.

Eccles are without a point in five games, and were walloped 44-16 by Waterhead in the second week of the season.

Elsewhere in Division One, Saddleworth Rangers entertain mid-table Bradford Dudley Hill (2.30pm).

Fresh from a weekend off, Oldham St Anne’s return to the fray with a home match against Normanton Knights