Home form is trump card

OLDHAM hope the Whitebank factor will work in their favour when they meet in-form North Wales Crusaders at home in Sunday's iPro Sport Cup semi-final.

Scott Naylor's men were unbeaten at home last season and have been turned over only once at Whitebank in nearly two years.

Hooker Gareth Owen, a comparative newcomer, has only played in the last five games at Whitebank, but he has been made aware of how much it means to the dressing room to send visiting teams away empty-handed.

He said: “The lads were proud of last season’s home record, especially as they were the only team in the division to achieve it.

“We don’t want it to end, so that in itself will add a little bit of extra spice to Sunday’s semi-final, which is going to be a cracking contest with a lot at stake.”

The winners will face either Swinton Lions or Newcastle Thunder in the final at Blackpool on May 23.

Crusaders have beaten Rochdale (28-4) and Doncaster (40-12) in their last two outings, both at home.