Boults hammers out fresh contract

JASON Boults, Mr Dependable of the Oldham front-row, has re-signed for his sixth season with the Roughyeds.

Having clocked up 129 games, the 28-year-old Yorkshireman has climbed to sixth in the list of most appearances for the ‘new’ Oldham club since it was formed 14 seasons ago.

The five above him are Neil Roden (273 and still going strong), John Hough (228), Jason Clegg (147), Gareth Barber (138) and Gavin Dodd (132).

Boults said: “It’s been a long time, but so long as Roughyeds are happy to keep me, why would I want to go anywhere else?

“From a player’s perspective, it remains one of the best and strongest clubs to be with. Oldham have had their problems but, unlike a lot of clubs, they have faced up to them and come through proudly on the other side.

“We are putting together a good squad for 2012 and, hopefully, we will have the players back who were out last year with long-term injuries.”

Coach Tony Benson is confident that Boults, who works full-time in a Bradford warehouse, will again deliver the goods.

By averaging almost 26 games a season over the last five seasons, he has demonstrated that he has a good engine and durability — two crucial qualities in a prop-forward, according to Benson.

“He keeps himself in good shape and as a result of that he can stay on the field for long periods,” said the Roughyeds' boss.

“He is our most experienced front-rower, and that experience shows through particularly when he is faced by a compact and compressed defence.

“He is smart in that he can still find a way to take us forward, and that’s important because if we don’t get forward momentum we don’t have a game.”

The Supporters' Association (ORSA) has organised three functions at Whitebank — a table-top sale on Saturday, November 19 (10am to 3pm); a quiz night on Thursday, November 24 (8pm); and a Christmas Party on Sunday, December 11.

For more information, call the club on 628 3677.