Roden tribute to partner Diveney

OLDHAM RL skipper Neil Roden picked up his man-of-the-match prize after yesterday's 50-0 SEAT Trophy drubbing of Whitehaven at Whitebank — and promptly gave it to his half-back partner Mick Diveney.

"One or two players deserved the award ahead of me — and Mick Diveney was easily the best player on the park, particularly in the first half," said Roden.

Local boy Diveney (23), playing only his third game for the Roughyeds first team, kicked six goals from six attempts and used the ball intelligently to set up three first-half tries.

Two more young Oldhamers, 18-year-old Matthew Fogarty and 20-year-old Jack Bradbury, each scored their first try for the club on their home debut.

Roughyeds chalked up their nine-try triumph without using Jason Boults, Scott Mansfield, Ben Wood, Marcus St Hilaire, John Clough and Mark Brocklehurst.