JOHN Lawn has sprung a surprise by elevating Oliver Renton ahead of David Lister in the second row for the trip to struggling Stourbridge tomorrow (writes Mike Crowther).

If anyone has been a fixture in the Dale line-up over the last few years it has been Lister who set a club record for the most consecutive league appearances (154) in 2004.

But the Greens' coach showed that no player is guaranteed a shirt when he made the same change for Wharfedale's trip to Moseley back in October.

Renton's reward comes after a string of impressive displays for the Foresters, particularly in the recent 22-22 draw against Sedgley Park.

Lawn also believes his inclusion will add extra strength at the breakdown where Stourbridge held the upper hand in their win over the Greens earlier in the season.

The Dale chief said: "We have always said to the lads in the second team that if they perform consistently well they will be rewarded.

"Over the last month, Oliver has performed very well, particularly against Sedgley Park when he was head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch. That's against a national one second team who are traditionally strong."

Explaining the tactical thinking behind his selection, Lawn added: "Stourbridge caused us a lot of problems in the first half through their big back row players on the edges of rucks and mauls. Oliver is strong defensively in this area and hits tackles very hard at the breakdown.

"It's a 'horses for courses' decision and also reward for his performances and that's how it should be."

Other changes see Adam Whaites return at full back following an ankle injury and Andy Hodgson back on the wing after a holiday.