Benson braced for backlash

Tony Benson: defence holds the key

OLDHAM Roughyeds coach Tony Benson admits his side face a stern test of their Championship One promotion credentials tonight when they face leaders Swinton Lions at The Willows (8pm kick-off).

Not only are Steve McCormack’s men unbeaten in the league so far this term, they are also a team with a point to prove, after losing 112-0 at Warrington Wolves in the Challenge Cup last time out.

Benson said: “We always see ourselves as having a chance, and we have trained pretty well over the last fortnight, but Swinton are strong all over the field.

“They have got a lot of players who can make something out of nothing.

“They are strong in attack, they’ve got a big pack, elusive players on the edges, and halves who drive them around well.

“We need to turn up and be ready.

“We know them reasonably well, and really it will come down to whether we can defend what is thrown at us.

“That is the big question. Defence is going to be key.”