BIRKENHEAD PARK are set to complete the festive season this coming Sunday when they welcome Rossendale to the Upper Park for a re-arranged National 3 North fixture (kick-off 2.15pm).

The visitors requested the game be put back 24 hours from the scheduled start on Saturday to allow players to return after the festive break and Park were more than happy to agree to the Sunday fixture.

Park director of rugby, John McNally, said: “It suited both teams to opt for the Sunday fixture and we are hopeful that we will be able to field a strong line-up.

“It will also give the rest of the club the opportunity of getting behind the first team and hopefully we should get a reasonable crowd in to round off the festive holiday.”

Park expect to field a similar starting line-up to the one that triumphed over Beverley in their last outing.

Dave Ibbotson is set to return to the back-row on the flank with Adam Cupples retaining the number 8 position after an outstanding display against Beverley.

Mike Chapman will continue at scrum-half after a try-scoring debut but Park are hopeful that Steve Lowry will be able to join the match squad after injury.

Tony Handley will link with Chapman at half-back and Gavin Scott and Freeman Payne are paired at centre with John Fenton at full-back.

Ace goal-kicker Dave Hall is again proving to be one of the most consistent kickers in the league and he plays on the wing together with flier Andy Trotter.

In the pack the powerful front row of Martin O'Keefe, Chris Tyms and Matt Ibbotson should pose plenty of problems to the Rossendale scrum while Joe Pollard, who had a storming game against Beverley, maintains his second-row berth alongside Chris Saidi.

Rossendale are making their first league visit to the Upper Park after moving up to this level for the first time but Birkenhead will be expecting a tough encounter.

McNally added: “Rossendale are new opponents for us but they have acquitted themselves well in this league.

“They have recruited a number of players from Manchester and Sedgley Park who have played at a higher level and they won comfortably at Chester in their last outing.

“We know we are in for a tough match but I am hopeful we can extend our unbeaten home record and start the New Year with the league points.”