Roughyeds switch Rams kick-off time

THE first clash of the season between the ‘big two’ in Co-operative Championship One — Oldham Roughyeds and Dewsbury Rams — will form the second half of a big sporting double at Boundary Park.

The game between the leading contenders for the title on Easter Monday, April 13, has had its kick-off time moved back five hours to 8pm.

This is due to the fact that Athletic have a home league fixture against Crewe at 3pm on the same afternoon, necessitating a change in the original rugby arrangements.

“We were disappointed, to say the least, to be given a home fixture on that day when we made it clear to the RFL that we needed to be away because of the Latics game,” said Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton.

“Nonetheless, there wasn’t a lot we could do. So we had a meeting with the football club and they are pulling out all the stops to get everything ready for us to play after their game is finished.

“We didn’t want to change the date of the game, with it being a Bank Holiday, and we wanted to make sure all our home matches this season were at Boundary Park.

“We have found a solution and we hope it won’t inconvenience too many fans for what is potentially a big game.”

An extra few hours of rest could be just what Oldham need. Tony Benson’s men face a gruelling Easter period which starts with an away derby at Rochdale on Good Friday followed by the visit of the Rams — relegated from National League One last year — only three days later.

The Roughyeds squad will train tonight ahead of a final pre-season game at Leigh Centurions on Sunday. The fitness of a number of players will be checked on, including Richard Mervill (knee).

Coach travel is being provided by the club for the game at Leigh. A bus leaves the Black Horse on Ripponden Road at 1pm and the social club at 1.15pm and the cost is £10 per person. To book, ring the Roughyeds office on (0161) 628 3677 or Joyce Pilkington on (0161) 665 1832.