Hamilton hails ‘fantastic’ Roughyeds

OVER WE GO: George Tyson clinches a brilliant Oldham victory against York City Knights with his side’s fifth and final try. PICTURE: DAVE MURGATROYD

CHRIS Hamilton has paid tribute to his club’s players, coaches and backroom staff for producing a “fantastic” performance at York.

The 31-12 win at the ground of the Championship One leaders sends Oldham into the play-off final at Headingley on October 5 for the second year in a row - and the sixth time in eight years.

They will play the winners of York v Hunslet, who beat Gateshead Thunder yesterday to earn a major semi-final next Sunday at Huntington Stadium.

Roughyeds have beaten them both in the last 10 days, having won 25-24 in a thriller at the South Leeds Stadium.

They will now get two weeks to prepare for the final, while York and Hunslet will knock each other about next weekend.

Hamilton said: “Whether we play York or Hunslet at Headingley we have nothing to fear as long as we play like we have in the last two games.

“Players and coaches will be working hard in the next two weeks to get ready for October 5, and I hope we take as many fans as possible to Headingley with us.

“We are hoping this will finally be our year.”

Club chairman Hamilton added: “Nobody knows more than us what it’s like to lose in the final, so there is still a lot of work to be done.

“It was a fantastic performance at York. The way we have gone about these play-off games has been nothing short of exceptional and full credit must be given to everyone concerned.

“In two heavy defeats in the league at York and Hunslet we conceded a total of 92 points and scored only 24, so what we have done in the play-offs has been truly amazing. We have earned the right to appear in the Headingley final and I don’t think anyone can deny us that.”

Coach Scott Naylor warned: “It’s great to celebrate the fact that we are through to the final, but our aim all season has been to win promotion and we have still to put the finishing touches to that.”

Seat and standing tickets for Headingley will be on sale from the Oldham club on Wednesday, with full details to be announced tomorrow.