Date set for grand final showdown

OLDHAM RL Club’s high-flying reserves, 80 minutes from lifting their first trophy, will face Widnes Vikings or Leigh Centurions in a Grand Final showdown at Whitebank on Sunday week, September 25 (kick-off 3pm).

Most games in the reserves’ under-23s championship are played on midweek evenings or on Saturdays, but the Sunday date for the under-23s showpiece is designed to avoid a clash with the bulk of weekend sport, including amateur rugby league.

It was confirmed today after talks involving all three clubs and the RFL.

Oldham finished second to Widnes Vikings, who will be in Super League next year, but smashed them 46-22 away from home in the play-offs to earn an appearance in a grand final at Whitebank.

Widnes will play third-placed Leigh tomorrow for the right to play the Roughyeds on Sunday week.

Normal reserve-team admission prices will be charged (£4 adults, £2 concessions) and fans will be asked to vote for both reserve team and first team player of the year.