Half-back facing injury check-up

Gareth Owen

OLDHAM RL Club will assess the full extent of half-back Gareth Owen's hamstring injury at training tonight.

He hobbled off just before half-time in Sunday's 26-24 win against Swinton Lions ­- the Roughyeds' third victory in a row ­- and took no further part in a tight, tense derby thriller.

"It looks like hamstring trouble, but we'll know more later," said coach Scott Naylor immediately after the game.

Whatever the prognosis, Owen is unlikely to play at Bradford Bulls this Sunday (3pm) in the hope that he might be fit for for the final game of the regular season against Workington Town at Bower Fold (3pm) on Sunday, July 24 or, failing that, for the first of the Championship Shield games a fortnight later.

Gary Middlehurst, out for several weeks with a broken finger, also hopes to be available again for the must-win game against bottom-club Workington, who play their derby rivals Whitehaven, second bottom, at home this weekend.

Former Oldham player James Coyle has told Whitehaven he is stepping down as coach at the end of the season.

Workington have asked their players to take a pay cut because of the club's financial worries, which means coach Phil Veivers is unlikely to be in a position to add to his squad before the transfer deadline later this month.

The Oldham Roughyeds Supporters Association (ORSA) is offering hospitality at the Workington game, priced at £10 for season-ticket holders and £25, including a seat in the main stand, for others.

To book ring John McAndrew (07980129541) or Paul Hulbert (07534329674).