Third-time lucky for Roughyeds

Rugby League

OLDHAM RL Club are hopeful it will be third-time lucky in their efforts to stage the pre-season Law Cup derby with Rochdale Hornets at Whitebank.

It was postponed on Monday, January 2 and Sunday, January 8 because the Whitebank pitch wasn't fit after heavy rain, but another attempt will be made this coming Sunday, with a 4pm kick-off.

"Both clubs are keen to get the game played," said Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton, "but when we inspected on Saturday there were still areas of the pitch that were very bad.

"The postponements have been as frustrating for the clubs as they have been for the fans, but after looking at the weather forecasts for the next few days we are hopeful to get the game on this weekend."

The kick-off time has been set at 4pm because Hornets are playing an under-23s game at Warrington Wizards on the same day, kicking off at 12.30pm.

Several members of the Hornets staff, headed by coach John Stankevitch, will be on duty at both games.

Roughyeds will be meeting potential new members of their Extended Scholarship squad (under-18s) at Whitebank tonight.

Up to 30 youngsters from across Lancashire and Yorkshire, and their parents, will attend by invite and will be addressed by the club chairman and by Scholarship coach Phil Costin.

Many of last season's crop are still eligible to play for a second year but the club is optimistic that the squad will be topped up by new boys from among the young hopefuls who will be at the club tonight.