Second chance for Roughyeds

BETTER the devil you know than the devil you don’t for Roughyeds coach Tony Benson.

Having overcome Swinton 31-26 at Boundary Park on Sunday, Oldham are back at the same venue for the second stage of the Co-operative Championship One play-offs seven days later to face Hunslet Hawks — who beat Blackpool to get to this stage — in an elimination semi-final.

The same pair clashed only two weeks ago on Hunslet territory in the final regular season match of the campaign, where Oldham errors while in possession proved crucial to determining a final 36-18 scoreline in favour of player-coach Paul March’s side.

But with plenty of encouraging signs on offer against the Lions — aside from a season-low home crowd of 745 — Benson believes his side can turn the tables on the men from West Yorkshire.

“It is a game we are all really looking forward to and are excited about,” said Oldham’s coach, who tonight runs the rule over his squad at training.

“Particularly so, as it is only two weeks since we played them last. It means that we know exactly what it is we need to do to beat them.

“We have a second chance now. I didn’t think we were far behind them last time, especially if you take away those three interception tries we conceded.

“I also think we improved significantly this weekend, plus we also have the advantage of playing at home.”

Phil Joseph will have his injured hamstring assessed tonight, with the loose forward the only injury concern to emerge from the Swinton test.

Craig Robinson, who was knocked to the floor and helped off in the second half following a late challenge which was put on report, came back on to the field later and should be fine for the game.