Non-playing captain Chris Mear said Stafford fully deserved to stay in after he came in as a late replacement for the injured Mark Birkett in the previous fixture against Harrogate at Bradley Park and chalked up a creditable singles victory which helped his side to a notable and welcome triumph.

The win came too late to launch a late charge for honours for the Halifax and Huddersfield side, but Mear said there was still plenty of motivation for his team in their last run out of the summer.

"I've spoken to all the players and they are determined to do well and would love to chalk up a win against last year's champions," he said.

"And with the Six Man Championship coming up, we want to do well to give us a boost leading into that as well as wanting to go into the close season on a high note."

Mear welcomes back Edward Battye and the experienced Iain Powell, while the in form Danny Stocchero also returns to the ranks.

Richard Broadley, who retained his individual Union Matchplay crown this week, is unavailable while Jared Ellison and Andy Appleyard are rested from the side which saw off Harrogate.

Mear has also announced his team for the Inter Union Six Man Championship which the Halifax and Huddersfield Union will host at Fixby on Sunday, September 13.

Fast emerging West End player Sam Bridges has earned a place in the line up with his club colleague Ryan Greenwood first reserve.

And the Union supremo said he had no worries about pitching them in for a competition when the Union side feel they have a real chance of landing some prestigious silverware.

"Sam is in the side on merit thanks to the way he has played in a superb season," said Mear.

"He started the campaign ranked at number 10 or 11 but has moved up to three or four and I have no doubts about putting him in.

"Ryan is first reserve and I am confident he too will be OK as he is a very good player and has plenty of senior team experience with West End in the Yorkshire League."

Halifax and Huddersfield Union v Sheffield at Meltham

Frank Greaves, Sam Bridges, Ryan Greenwood (all West End), Ben Crowther, Ed Battye (both Dewsbury District), Jamie Bower, Graham McLean (both Meltham), Andy Shaw (Bradley Hall), David Stafford (Todmorden), Mathew Colcombe (Longley Park), Danny Stocchero (Huddersfield), Iain Powell (Hebden Bridge).

Union team for IDU Six Man Championship at Huddersfield

Richard Broadley (Huddersfield), Greaves, Bridges, Powell, Shaw, McLean. Res: Greenwood.