Key-man Gilchrist nearing his peak

BIG prop Liam Gilchrist is getting closer to full match fitness as Oldham RL gear up for the most critical period of their season.

Out for seven weeks with a calf injury, he was back in the side which won 30-12 at Hemel Stags and followed up with two long spells on the field in the under-20s' 36-24 defeat by York City Knights at Whitebank.

Though the first team had no game this weekend, coach Scott Naylor gave Gilchrist, Liam Thompson, Sam Gee and Steven Nield game time in the second team.

Nield, at full-back, played the full game, while the three forwards each had two spells with a break in between.

Of the four, Gilchrist was the one in most need of game time - and he came through with flying colours.

Said under-20s boss Phil Costin: "I was delighted with what they contributed. It was very professional.

"It was good to have them on board and it was certainly beneficial to the younger players to have them in the team."

Oldham currently lie fifth, but if they were to win their game in hand they would be in second spot behind unbeaten league leaders North Wales Crusaders. Only Crusaders have a better defensive record.

The team finishing top wins automatic promotion and the next five play off for the second spot.

After three blank weekends from the last five, Roughyeds have a run of eight games on successive Sundays, the first two at Whitebank against Gateshead Thunder on May 26 (1pm kick-off) and London Skolars on June 2 (3pm).

Said Naylor: "I welcome a return to regular weekly rugby, but for now I'm not looking beyond the next two games. The priority is to focus on winning both home games. After that we can reassess where we are in the table."

When Roughyeds go to the table toppers on June 9 they might be faced by Jamie Dallimore.

Released by Oldham at his own request a month ago, Dallimore signed for Crusaders.