STAFFORD field their strongest line-up in their replayed home fixture against Bournville in Midlands Three West (North).

Coach Graham Macdonald has fielded 30 players so far this season, but has arrived at what he considers his best side.

Stafford topped 50 points for the first time in many a year in thumping bottom side Wednesbury last Saturday and are second in the table.

They meet Bournville again because the first meeting went to uncontested scrums in the closing stages when Stafford went from 6-3 up to lose 15-6.

Macdonald said: "The league offered Bournville the choice of either accepting a 6-3 defeat or playing the game again."

Macdonald is delighted with Stafford's progress this season, but said: "We are well placed, but the way I look at it is that if we have 20 points by Christmas we will be safe from relegation."

AFTER a struggling start to the season, LEEK go in search of a hat-trick of wins in a rearranged home game against Shrewsbury in Midlands Four West (North).

The original fixture was replaced by a cup tie and Leek have since gained in strength and confidence.

They have beaten two of the weaker teams in the league in Bishops Castle and Handsworth, but now face an altogether tougher proposition in second-placed Shrewsbury.

Club spokesman Gareth Jones said: "We have more strength in depth and are picking from a stronger set of forwards.

"Flanker Adam Nettel, who was our player of the year last season, has returned to us from Macclesfield and newcomer Dave Ackerley looks a good player at prop."

TRENTHAM are in Staffs Intermediate Cup action away to Handsworth, who are struggling in Midlands Four West (North).

Phil Millington returns at scrum-half following Trentham's 20-3 defeat at Anselmians last week.

Skipper Steve Dono said: "We suffered from having five cry-offs on the day of the game, but we were only 7-3 down at half-time.

"In the end, we were beaten by the better side."