TRENTHAM'S recent revival has been due in no small part to the return of some of their more seasoned performers.

The latest is former captain Findlay Burke, who had retired at the end of last season following Trentham's defeat by Tamworth in the final of the Staffs Intermediate Cup.

"I didn't think they needed me, but there were other factors," said Burke, below.

"I have a demanding job that involves a lot of commuting so my weekends were more precious, especially as I have a young son. Training was also impossible. But, come February, the team was struggling at the foot of the table so I thought I would do the decent thing and help out.

"Trentham had won only one game at that stage, but I felt they were already on the comeback trail. They had signed a couple of good players and I think they had turned the corner."

Burke, aged 33, who lives on the Westlands in Newcastle, eased his way back off the bench before starting his first game in nearly a year at number eight in the vital win over the bottom side in the South Lancs/Cheshure Two table, Crewe and Nantwich.

Burke, who has since chipped in with a couple of tries, admitted: "I have enjoyed this little spell and will stick with it for the remaining four games. After that, I would not like to say.

"Trentham have good players in Josh Collins, the versatile Mike Herbert and Joe Turnock, while Aaron Barker has done a good job as captain. The average age of the side is around 23, so I can see a bright future for the club if they can stay together."

Trentham's run of five successive wins came to a halt at second-from-bottom Wallasey last Saturday, but Burke said: "We did not have the ideal preparation.

"There was some confusion over the kick-off time and we arrived just five minutes before the start."

Trentham are at home to the Manxmen of Douglas on Saturday with much the same side that put together their unbeaten run.