Dual focus for local clubs

PLAYERS from Oldham St Anne’s and Waterhead are sure to be nursing plenty of aches and pains come Sunday afternoon.

Not only are the two local rivals in Kingstone Press National Conference League action tomorrow, they meet in the semi-finals of the Standard Cup on Sunday.

First up for St Anne’s is a trip to Stanley Rangers (2.30pm).

Mick Fogerty’s Saints are one place above their hosts in second spot and head to Wakefield defending a 100-per-cent record.

“To win our first three games was a great achievement, but we can play a lot better,” said Fogerty.

“Confidence is high and that has had a roll-on effect with numbers at training, but nobody is getting over excited.”

He added: “The top four are playing each other tomorrow (leaders Kells are at home to Bradford Dudley Hill), so this weekend might give us an early indication as to how things are going to pan out.”

In the same division, Waterhead are at home to rock-bottom Stanningley.

It appears a good opportunity for Chris Hough’s side to regain the winning thread after last weekend’s defeat at Bradford Dudley Hill.

The visitors to Peach Road are without a win in four games and have shipped 136 points.

Sunday sees St Anne’s and holders Waterhead meet in the last four of the Standard Cup at Higginshaw Road (11.30am).

Rochdale Mayfield and Saddleworth Rangers face-off in NCL Division One tomorrow, with the local derby doubling up as the other Standard Cup semi.

In the event of a tie, the toss of a coin will decide who goes through to the final.

Rangers will be smarting after lowly Myton Warriors ruined their unbeaten record in a 26-0 defeat last Saturday.

On the same afternoon, Mayfield were held to a 28-28 draw at York Acorn, who were securing their first point of the campaign.