PROP forward Simon ‘Ginner’ Owen’s name will be the first on the Birkenshaw Bluedogs team-sheet on Saturday when they seek to prevent visitors Clayton from recording a Pennine League Division Two Central double at East Bierley Playing Fields.

The veteran first played against the maroon and golds as a fledgling full back for West Bowling in the mid-1990s and has proved to be one of the most resilient players at amateur level, gaining BARLA international and Yorkshire caps before finally arriving at Birky in the twilight of his long career.

Owen is still a force to be reckoned with - a point he proved in the away defeat when he collected the man of the match award, and he is raring to go after returning from a short period of rest and recuperation in Spain.

Fellow front-rower Trevor West also returns, but all-rounder Micky Glenn is unavailable due to work commitments, together with loose forward Ben Cousen.

Clayton have struggled all season on the road but there will be no shortage of players lining up for a shirt on this trip.

Full back Jimmy Waddington and second-row forward James Flanagan return to the squad, and stand-off Jack Bowman has been practicing his goal-kicking all week in anticipation of a close-run encounter.

Wyke make the journey to second-placed Woodhouse Warriors in a buoyant frame of mind after last week’s emphatic victory over Eastmoor Dragons.

Coach Ian Wormald will give former West Bowling prop Luke Robinson his debut, while loose forward Scott Watson and hooker Matty Harrison are in contention for a jersey in what will be practically a full squad that is only lacking mercurial half-back Coby Kittsen, who is on university duty.

Queensbury also have a number of returnees for the visit of Beeston Broncos.

Bury, who were in the injury doldrums last time out at Wortley, having to call upon club secretary Andy Thornton in their hour of need, have prop forward Luke Whitaker back in action alongside the versatile Ash Ryan, who has recovered from a leg injury.

Steven Nagy is restored to the wing and Ben Hall is pencilled in to make his debut.

Brighouse Rangers entertain Queens in the Championship Division's top-three clash at Russell Way.

Rangers, who are undefeated on home soil, are favourites to exchange places with the Leeds outfit and move into second spot and continue the race to catch runaway leaders Ovenden.