Hamilton in call to back charities

GARY SYKES could be fit for Thursday’s night home game against London Skolars.

ROUGHYEDS chief executive Chris Hamilton has asked the people of the town to back the charitable set-up at Thursday’s home game with London Skolars (7.30pm kick off).

The match — the first of a vital set of four for Tony Benson’s men between now and the first week of Septmeber — is free for all supporters at the Boundary Park turnstiles and all fans need to bring with them is a minimum of £1 to get out of the ground.

Bucket collections will be available for those who wish to contribute more than the minimum to the two chosen charities, Link4Pink and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, and the hope is that even those who don’t usually follow the sport will be enticed to swell an anticipated large crowd.

“We believe that on the back of Sunday’s big effort against Rochdale, we can replicate the enthusiasm on the pitch and get plenty of rugby league fans down to Boundary Park,” said Mr Hamilton.

“But we are also hoping to attract people who may not necessarily follow the sport, but who can relate to what are two very big charities in Oldham.”

This is the third successive season that a home game televised by Sky Sports has been used by the club as a charity vehicle.

Last year, a crowd of 2,806 saw all-pink Oldham defeat Doncaster 36-16 and in 2008 a record National League Two attendance of 4,327 watched as the Roughyeds lost 32-18 at home to champions Celtic Crusaders.

On the playing front, training was postponed a day and will take place tonight instead to give players more chance to recover from minor knocks.

Gary Sykes, who pulled out of the Hornets clash late due to a back spasm suffered at work, could be fit to take his place in the side against the Skolars, though with conditioner Martin Roden excelling in the hooking role in only his second appearance in three years, Roughyeds coach Benson faces a tough decision.

Thomas Coyle returns from suspension and is also battling for a spot in the squad, but centre pair Marcus St Hilaire (Achilles and calf) and Paul Reilly (ankle) will probably be given another week’s rest.

Chris Hough appears before the RFL’s disciplinary panel tonight, charged with the use of the forearm/elbow in a reserves match against Keighley three weeks ago.

The offence is classed as Grade ‘C’ and if found guilty he will miss between one and four matches.

o SEASON ticket holders can use their books as normal to gain entry to the ground on Thursday night.