Roughyeds to star in the ring

OLDHAM are hoping their trio of boxers in the battle of the Batley Frontier Club on Wednesday, April 1, will have a good following of Roughyeds fans to urge them on to victory in the ring.

Chairman Bill Quinn, hooker Phil Joseph and centre Paul Reilly will all put on the gloves and the headguards in a glittering gala show that will raise money for the Steve Prescott Foundation and the Rugby League Benevolent Fund.

Silver package tickets priced at £35 each, which includes admission to the Frontier Club and a chicken and chips supper, are now on sale at the Roughyeds club. The event starts at 7pm.

All Oldham supporters will be seated at tables together so they can collectively "raise the roof" when Bill, Phil and Paul enter the ring for their respective bouts.

Bill's clash with rugby league legend Garry Schofield will top the bill and will be the main event of the night.

Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton said: "It should be a terrific night. It will raise money for some very worthy causes and at the same time it will provide cracking entertainment.

"We can make it a big night for the Oldham club, given that Bill's bout will top the bill and that Phil and Paul will also be flying the flag for the Roughyeds.

"There will be lots of fans from other clubs there and there is sure to be loads of friendly rivalry as the stars of rugby league go into action in a different sport and in a totally different environment to the one we usually see them in.

"Time is not on our side in terms of selling tickets so we are asking fans who might be interested in attending what should be a great night to get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can make it a big occasion for our club."

In Bill's last fight he outpointed Kiwi tough guy Brad Hepi at Bolton in one of the shocks of the night, and it was that success which rocketed him to top billing among rugby league's charity boxers.

Fans can get their tickets from the Roughyeds office at Lansdowne Road, Chadderton (tel: 0161 628 3677), which is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.