Court boost for Roughyeds

OLDHAM Roughyeds have successfully fended off winding-up moves made against the club in the High Court in London.

The order was brought against Oldham Rugby League Football Club (1997) Ltd by HM Revenue and Customs yesterday, but was dismissed by Registrar Derrett after lawyers stated that the debts had now been paid in full, as well as HMRC’s legal costs.

After successfully paying off a tax bill totalling more than £250,000 two years ago, the development is more good news on the financial front for the promotion-chasing Roughyeds amid a tough climate for clubs outside of Super League.

With local rivals Rochdale hitting the skids before the start of the season, the club re-forming as Hornets RL, Championship outfit Doncaster were placed in administration last week and have seen a mass exodus of players.

Elsewhere, Graham Holroyd of Swinton has been banned for five matches and fined £50 for the abuse of referee Chris Leatherbarrow during the Lions’ home match against Rochdale.

Matty Ashe, the Kiwi who signed on loan for Oldham from Swinton prior to Holroyd’s dismissal, is currently with the Roughyeds for the minimum one month, which can then be extended to a week-to-week, monthly or season-long deal.

With Holroyd suspended until August, it remains to be seen if the Lions will opt to call fellow stand-off Ashe back to their ranks.