Northern Rail could go south

THE ROUGHYEDS could be heading across the channel early next season — even if the team doesn't gain promotion to the Co-operative Championship.

That is because next season’s Northern Rail Cup could have a French flavour to it, with a motion to allow Championship club Toulouse into the competition accepted in principle by clubs at an RFL meeting last week.

The financial aspect of their involvement will now be examined by the RFL board before a final decision is reached.

As for this season’s competition, which Oldham exited at the initial pool stage, the semi-finals are all-Championship affairs.

Leigh are at home to Batley and Widnes travel to play the Cougars later this month. The final takes place at Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road ground on Sunday, July 18.


THIS season’s Northern Rail Nines competition at Fylde RUFC on Saturday, July 17, will again feature the Roughyeds.

Advance tickets for the one-day event are available from the club offices on Lansdowne Road, Chadderton, at a price of £6 adults and £3 concessions — a reduction of £3 and £2 respectively.

Anyone buying a Nines ticket also gets £5 knocked off the cost of an adult ticket for the Northern Rail Cup final at nearby Bloomfield Road the following day.

Fans can also buy their tickets at the Whitebank Stadium on Sunday when leaders Oldham take on Doncaster (3pm kick-off).

Also available from the club are £27 Challenge Cup final tickets at a cut-price £20.