Six suspended by Roughyeds rivals

OLDHAM’S current rivals for second spot in Championship One, York City Knights, have been dealt a major blow with the suspension of the team’s coaching duo and four first-team players.

Director of rugby James Ratcliffe, player-coach Paul March, club captain David March, team captain Paul Hughes, Rob Kelly and Danny Ratcliffe have all been hit for an alleged breach of club discipline.

It is understood that the incidents in question occurred at the Super League match between Leeds and Bradford on Friday night, where the Knights party were entertaining a small group of York fans in a hospitality suite.

That was only 24 hours after York had defeated the Roughyeds 20-18 in a live televised encounter, thrusting the team into second place in the table.

All six have been stood down by the club hierarchy from first-team duties for Sunday’s game away at Blackpool, with full-back Danny Ratcliffe’s suspension extending until the end of July.

In a statement apologising for the group’s actions, James Ratcliffe said: “Having had a fantastic victory on Thursday evening, we all possibly overindulged during our weekend away from rugby.

“This was a lack of concentration and in no way do we condone our behaviour. The club have taken what they feel is the appropriate action and no further comment will be made.”
Meanwhile, Oldham’s players take to the field tonight for the penultimate training session ahead of a trip to face Workington on Sunday.

At this stage, only captain Robert Roberts (knee) and Luke Menzies (ankle) are out of contention.


BARROW Raiders have completed the signing of 29-year-old England international scrum-half Jamie Rooney from Super League club Wakefield.

The deal, which runs to the end of the season, represents a big coup for the ambitious Championship side.