Stags first for Naylor’s Oldham

OLDHAM RL break new ground on Sunday when they play their first-ever senior game in Hertfordshire, at the Pennine Way home of league new boys Hemel Stags.

Stags have been playing rugby in Hemel Hempstead for over 30 years, building gradually to their first season at semi-professional level.

Stags currently lie second to North Wales Crusaders. Their only league defeat, at Oxford last Sunday, was a close thing in which they were beaten 23-22.

Oldham, five points behind them with a game in hand, will choose from a fully-fit squad, though it isn’t yet known whether prop Liam Gilchrist will be considered for the first team or for the under-20s. The latter also travel to Hemel to play the Stags’ second team.

Gilchrist was due to start his comeback after a six-week absence with a calf muscle injury in the under-20s’ impressive 35-18 win against Halifax last Friday, but he had to withdraw because of an upset stomach on the day of the game.

He trained normally last night and is expected to be available on Sunday.

With no game last Sunday, Naylor gave his players time off — effectively six rugby-free days over the Bank Holiday.

“Hopefully, it will freshen them up both mentally and physically,” said the Roughyeds coach.