Roughyeds close in on second

VICTORY on Sunday against South Wales Scorpions would guarantee second place at least for Oldham in Co-operative Championship One.

That’s the scenario facing Tony Benson’s men after promotion rivals Blackpool were docked 10 points last night by the Rugby Football League.

Panthers were found guilty of a series of breaches of RFL registration and salary cap rules by an RFL tribunal.

The breaches relate to the contracts of 12 players with Blackpool and were discovered following an investigation by the RFL’s Compliance Manager.

It means Roughyeds can finish no worse than runners-up if they pick up three points against Scorpions at the Whitebank Stadium this weekend.

Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton said: “To come second would be a fantastic achievement.

“The players and coaches deserve a huge pat on the back for all their hard work to get to this situation.

“We weren’t expected to be up there this season with all that’s gone on, but the team has made real progress.”

Blackpool have indicated that they will not be lodging an appeal against the points deduction, which takes place with immediate effect.

They are now sixth in the table, but remain in the play-off places.

Meanwhile, Oldham prop Luke Sutton is available for Sunday after recovering from injury.

Ben Heaton, Marcus St Hilaire and Joe Chandler are also expected to be passed fit, but Neil Roden (back) and Chris Clarke (knee) are still undergoing treatment.

o ROUGHYEDS v Scorpions preview in tomorrow’s Oldham Evening Chronicle.