Hamilton apology to fans

Photo: Paul Sterritt

Oldham Roughyeds chairman, Chris Hamilton.

OLDHAM Rugby League Club have apologised to supporters, sponsors and other stakeholders for the team's "unacceptable" performance in last Sunday's 82-0 hammering by Bradford Bulls at the Provident Stadium.

Bradford's full-time professionals ran in 15 tries - five of them by centre Kris Welham - to inflict Oldham's biggest defeat since they were smashed 84-0 at Widnes in 1999.

In the aftermath of Sunday's doom and gloom, coach Scott Naylor was joined by club chairman Chris Hamilton (pictured above) after training last night to tell the players that their performance fell way below what was expected of them.

Hamilton said later: "We reminded the players of their responsibilities to the club, coaches, themselves and the fans whenever they put on the shirt.

"On behalf of everyone at the club I want to apologise for what was served up on the field at Bradford on Sunday.

"It was a very bad afternoon but we have spoken to the players about it and now we want to say 'sorry'.

"It's been put to bed now and I want to assure supporters that everyone at the club is fully focused on our remaining four games.

"We want to show them what we are really all about as a club and also as a squad of players."

Next up for Roughyeds is a Bank Holiday clash with Sheffield Eagles - a full-time professional outfit which Naylor's men beat home and away in the regular season - at Bower Fold on Monday, August 29 (3pm kick-off).

If Roughyeds were to win and other results went their way, Naylor's men would be assured of Championship rugby again in 2017.