Roughyeds worry over Ashton injury

Oldham’s new centre Tom Ashton could potentially be out for several weeks.

The former Sheffield Eagles back hobbled out of last week’s South Wales Scorpions game just before half-time with a damaged left knee. He has seen a specialist and is waiting for a scan, which might mean a wait of up to 10 days.

“He’s got a priority appointment, but we won’t be sure if, or how badly, he might have damaged the ligaments until we get the scan,” said coach Scott Naylor.

The Oldham boss also has winger Jarrod Ward sidelined, and also rested Adam Clay, Jack Holmes and Michael Ward from the 17 who beat London Skolars 48-6 yesterday.

“A lot of quality didn’t play, so that’s got to be good for the club,” said Naylor, who gave 18-year-old full-back Tom Dempsey his first starting role at this level.

The former Wigan Warriors scholarship back acquitted himself well in his first full game, capped when he scored his first League One try in the corner with only a few minutes left. The win consolidated Oldham’s early standing at the top of the league. Oldham are at home next Sunday to Gloucester All Golds