Law Cup venue switch

Mayfield to host derby encounter

OLDHAM’S rearranged Law Cup game against Hornets RL tomorrow has been switched to Mayfield’s ground at Castleton (kick-off 7.30pm).

The decision was made at the Rochdale end after they had initially confirmed their intention to host the fixture at Spotland.

Sunday’s meeting between the two teams was called off because of waterlogging in one corner of the Spotland pitch, and plans were quickly put in place to play the annual derby at the same venue three days’ later without first obtaining approval from the ground’s owners and the staff.

The Roughyeds were shocked to hear that tomorrow’s game at Spotland was a no-goer, but Oldham have agreed to play at Mayfield instead rather than lose the fixture altogether.
Apparently, the Spotland authorities had intervened to say the ground might not stand up to a Rochdale AFC football match tonight — they are at home to Port Vale — the Law Cup game tomorrow, the Hornets’ opening Northern Rail Cup game against York City Knights on Sunday and another big game for table-topping Rochdale, to be televised by Sky Sports, on Monday.

The Mayfield ground is tight and compact with cover, seats and standing areas, and will generate a lively atmosphere given the size of crowd that would normally watch a Hornets-Oldham derby with silverware at stake.

The Roughyeds used to train at the Castleton venue in the club’s early years and play academy and reserve team games there when it was used principally by football club Castleton Gabriels.

It will be Oldham’s third warm-up game before this weekend’s Northern Rail Cup opener at Leigh Centurions.

Admission prices for tomorrow remain at £10 adults and £5 concessions.