Something to ‘Crow’ about!

Date published: 11 February 2013


OLDHAM 34 SALFORD CITY REDS 22

JOSH Crowley got his Roughyeds career off to a flying start.

The 21 year old former Widnes Vikings forward - one of 10 new signings in a 19-man squad - ticked all the right boxes for coach Scott Naylor against Salford.

“He was outstanding — the best player on the field,” said Naylor, pleased with his squad’s first game under his command in a pre-season test.

Naylor acknowledged there was room for improvement but said he was satisfied by the solid work of his forwards in the heavy conditions.

“There wasn’t much free-flowing rugby, but we played old-fashioned rugby to get the result we wanted. In that respect our entire front-row looked good.

“Salford’s youngsters dug in and did their coach proud, but a bit of extra fitness and strength made the difference.

“We have a lot of improving to do, but hopefully we have put in place the foundations for the sort of team we will become in the weeks that lie ahead.”

Of the new boys, hooker Sam Gee ran Crowley close as the Roughyeds’ star man. He had two spells in his favourite No.9 spot as well as a brief stint at loose-forward, but wherever he played he was able to bust Salford’s defensive line close to the rucks.