Roughyeds do their homework

OLDHAM aren’t taking anything for granted ahead of the visit of amateurs Sharlston Rovers this weekend.

A three-strong Roughyeds contingent comprising coach Tony Benson, assistant coach Mark Cass and captain Robert Roberts travelled to watch the team from the Wakefield pit village defeat Pennine League premier division leaders Drighlington 40-14 in a President’s Cup quarter-final tie on Saturday.

It illustrates that there will be no skimping in the Roughyeds’ preparations prior to the Carnegie Challenge Cup third round tie at Boundary Park on Sunday.

“It will be the third time in six years we have played them, so we know what they are about,” said Oldham chief executive Chris Hamilton, referring to knockout victories over Sharlston in the same competition in 2004 and 2005.

“We have got to be professional and it will be important to get off to a good start.

“As the professional club we are in a no-win situation, but we won’t be complacent and won’t underestimate Sharlston.

“At the same time, I would rather be in our position than the likes of London Skolars, who are travelling up to play Wath Brow Hornets, or Hunslet, who are away at Kells.”

No further injury problems were reported at training last night and the only two worries from last week’s win at Hunslet, Thomas Coyle (thumb) and Paul Reilly (dead leg) are both expected to come through in time to play. Lee Greenwood is also in line to return after missing the South Leeds trip due to a mouth injury.

The club are expecting to hear tomorrow morning whether any action is to be taken against Roberts for his part in an off-ball incident which took place in the first half at Hunslet.