Roughyeds plan sting in the tail

OLDHAM are closing ranks after the 30-0 drubbing at Doncaster and are ready to come out fighting against South Wales Scorpions at the Whitebank Stadium on Sunday (3pm kick-off).

"I'm confident we'll bounce back," said coach Tony Benson, who supervised a dressing room inquiry this week into the reasons for the team’s horror show at the Keepmoat Stadium.

It was only five weeks ago that the Roughyeds ran in eight tries and rattled up 46 points against the Dons to merit a comfortable victory at Whitebank.

That success featured 14 of the 17 players who were 'nilled' by the same opponents last Sunday.

John Gillam, Chris Clarke and Michael Ward were the absentees, replaced by Shaun Robinson and Marcus St Hilaire in the backs and Andy Isherwood in the second row.

"As a team we suffered a big setback," said Benson."No-one was too pleased about what happened, but the mood on Tuesday was upbeat and positive.

"We understand why it happened and we are working hard to rectify it.

"There will be selection changes to freshen us up a bit and everyone is eager to get back on the pitch and to put things right against the Welsh on Sunday.”

Ben Heaton, Neil Roden, Ben Wood, Danny Whitmore and Martin Roden were all assessed for knocks they picked up at Doncaster, and they will be examined again in the build-up.

Oldham’s reserves go to Halifax tomorrow night for a 7.30pm kick-off.