Hooker Whitmore ready to step in

Danny Whitmore

DANNY Whitmore is waiting in the wings as Kenny Hughes fights for fitness in the build-up to Oldham’s battle of the top two at York on Sunday.

Like last week, the story from Whitebank ahead of the next game is all about who will play at hooker — and why.

In Whitmore’s absence, due to a one-match ban, vice-captain Sam Gee got the job in the Gloucester game and Hughes kept his usual role on the bench as replacement hooker.

Both played well, but Hughes damaged an ankle near the end, left the ground on crutches, and remains a major doubt for this weekend’s top-of-the-table clash at the Huntington Stadium (3pm kick-off).

He wasn’t able to train last night, but coach Scott Naylor hasn’t given up on him yet and he will be re-assessed later in the week.

“He’s doubtful for the York game, but beyond that we’ll just have to wait and see,” said Naylor.

Whitmore for Hughes would be an obvious way to go, but Naylor’s big decision would then centre on whether to keep Gee in the starting line-up or give Whitmore first crack.

Ben Wood, who has a leg problem, is also doubtful, but Mo Agoro (knee) is expected to be ready in time.

There is good news surrouding George Tyson, who wasn’t considered for the Gloucester game because he had strained his back playing for the under-20s.

“His hamstrings were also affected, but he should be okay by weekend,” said Naylor.

Kingstone Press Championship One team of the week: Watson (Hunslet); Hill (Hemel), Maun (Hunslet), Day (York), Bloomfield (OLDHAM); Reynolds (York), Yates (London Skolars); Roche (York), Hood (Hunslet), Robinson (London Skolars), Cox (London Skolars), Crowley (OLDHAM), Thompson (Oxford).

To read the full version of this story see the Chronicle’s e-chron digital edition or buy the newspaper.