Exciting times for Roughyeds

Photo: Dave Murgatroyd

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL: Dale Bloomfield (left) and drop-goal hero Josh Crowley are pleased as punch after Oldham RL’s defeat of Hunslet Hawks.

PLAY-OFF fever is spreading among Oldham RL fans after the Roughyeds’ thrilling 25-24 win at Hunslet.

Next up is another thriller-in-waiting at York on Sunday, when club officials expect Roughyeds to enjoy their biggest away support since last year’s final.

“Play-off rugby is in the club’s DNA,” said chairman Chris Hamilton. “It brings out the best in us. The club becomes alive with excitement. That was again borne out at Hunslet, as anyone who was there will testify.”

Fans left their seats in the stand and were waiting on the running track to back-slap the players as they walked off the pitch.

Since 2007, Oldham have been in more play-off battles than any other Championship One club, having reached five finals in seven years.

Added Hamilton: “More than anybody, we know the utter dejection of defeat in the final, but that only serves to make us more determined to get there and win it.

“As Scott Naylor has already made clear, he and the players targeted promotion at the start of the year and the win at Hunslet showed they mean business.

“It took a massive effort to win there. As much as anything it was a triumph for character and resilience.”