Old Masters set to put on a show

BARRIE McDERMOTT

ROUGHYEDS supporters missing their regular fix of action can head down to Waterhead Park this Sunday, as a host of past and present stars descend on the famous amateur club.

Ex-Great Britain prop forward Barrie McDermott, a former Waterhead junior player who is now a business development executive for Leeds Rhinos, has been working feverishly to help organise the Brian Agard Masters event for over-35s.

Along with good friend and Sky Sports pundit Terry O'Connor and former Wigan great Garry Connolly, McDermott will roll back the years and pull on a green-and-red jersey in an eight-team tournament that also features Oldham St Anne's, Saddleworth Rangers, Higginshaw, Hollinwood, Brighouse Rangers, Siddal and Rob Burrow-coached Ackworth.

"Unfortunately when you stop being able to enjoy the physical element of rugby league, it is hard to know where to go," said McDermott, on his enthusiasm for the fast-growing Masters scene.

"I am a big believer there should be a pathway for players to carry on and this provides it.

"We will have people like (long-standing Waterhead official) Tony Richmond playing and he is in his 60s. I think it is a great concept.

"I want to generate plenty of interest and hopefully bring back a feel-good factor at Waterhead."

The action starts at 12.30pm and each side will take part in three 15-minute games through the afternoon. Different coloured shorts denote the varying levels of physicality that can be applied to the ball-carrier, ranging from a full tackle for recently retired players through to touch-and-pass for older participants.

A couple of trophies are up for grabs, but the emphasis is more on participation and fun, as well as raising funds for the Waterhead club, than winning.

Plenty of entertainment is to be laid on to make it an afternoon out for the family, with Roary the Roughyed set to make an appearance, along with Oldham-based Super League stars Kevin Sinfield, Paul and Danny Sculthorpe and plenty of other big names from the professional game.

"It will be a great spectacle," added McDermott. "Loads of ex-professionals will be involved, but really it is all about everyone enjoying the day itself."