Fortress Whitebank!

OLDHAM prepare for Friday night’s play-off clash at Hunslet Hawks (8pm) buoyed by being unbeaten at Whitebank all season.

Their 68-24 demolition of Gloucester All Golds ended the home season with Oldham on a draw and nine wins. The last time Oldham achieved anything similar was six years ago.

“One of our targets this year was to remain unbeaten at Whitebank and it is very satisfying to have done it,” said coach Scott Naylor.

“It shows how strong this division is when we can boast a record like that, yet we still finish third behind York and Hunslet.

“I know everything hasn’t gone as planned so far this year, but we’ve still everything to play for and I reckon any side that can survive a full season without being beaten at home has a lot going for it.”

Roughyeds travel to Hunslet on Friday for the qualifying play-off - the Hawks’ South Leeds Stadium is unavailable. The winners will play York the following weekend and the losers will be at home to the winners of next weekend’s Gateshead v Hemel clash. The losers in that game will be eliminated.

Next weekend’s games: Hunslet v Oldham, Friday, 8pm; Gateshead v Hemel, details to be announced.