Hobson back in action

AFTER being sidelined since April, Mark Hobson began his comeback in the Oldham under-20s side which was trounced 74-0 at Leigh last night.

The club's most experienced back-row forward, he played in the first few games of the season, but then faded from the picture due to a back injury and the demands of his full-time job outside rugby.

"It was good to get on the field again after being out for nearly four months," said the 27-year-old former Rochdale Hornets forward.

"All things considered, I felt okay in the first half, but my back began to play me up again in the second half, perhaps because it was my first game in such a long time.

"It wasn't the best match in which to start a comeback, but at least I got a bit of game time and I felt better for that."

Hobson played in 22 of the club's 24 games last season – his first at Whitebank – but with Josh Crowley and Danny Langtree models of consistency in the second row and with George Tyson, Ben Wood and Liam Thompson also ahead of him in the pecking order, he faces a long haul back.

Prop Paddy Mooney, the 20-year-old former London Broncos under-19 captain, also played last night in a game watched by head coach Scott Naylor.

Alex Davidson's departure to North Wales Crusaders and Nathan Mason's continued absence through injury has left Naylor with only four recognised props – Jason Boults, Phil Joy, Michael Ward and Mooney – although Tyson and Wood could play there at a pinch.

Hooker Danny Whitmore was also due to play for the under-20s, but he was unable to get to Leigh in time after being held up in traffic congestion.

Andy Ball went to hooker and Tom Flanagan came in on the bench.