Law Cup uncertainty

OLDHAM RL chairman Chris Hamilton believes this year’s Law Cup clash with Rochdale Hornets is now unlikely to be played.

The annual warm-up game has been postponed three times due to adverse weather conditions, and after the most recent call-off on Sunday — the Whitebank pitch was frozen — there appeared to be ill-feeling directed at Roughyeds by their proposed opponents.

Rochdale director of rugby John Stankevitch posted on Twitter: “Hornets v Oldham off for the third time. Total embarrassment. Maybe Whitebank facilities need looking at?” Something Hamilton branded “misinformed and unhelpful”.

Now, with Hornets apparently in no hurry to reschedule the fixture despite Roughyeds suggesting tomorrow night, Hamilton doubts it will happen.

He said: “I think it is unlikely to go ahead, which is obviously very disappointing.”

The game was originally due to take place on January 2, but was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch, and the second attempt at fulfilling the fixture was thwarted by more rain on an already saturated surface.

Should the match not be contested at all, it not only represents a financial blow, but also inflicts on the preparation of their respective players and coaches in the build-up to competitive action.

Ahead of a critical campaign for Oldham, who are expected to be in the promotion mix in the Co-operative Championship One, coach Tony Benson was keen to run the rule over his squad in the Law Cup meeting.

And popular winger Lucas Onyango is left kicking his heels — after nine frustrating months on the sidelines recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, the Kenyan was due to make his eagerly-anticipated comeback.

His attention will turn to Sunday’s trip to Whitehaven in the SEAT Trophy.

The following Friday Roughyeds entertain a St Helens Select side, followed by a warm-up game against Featherstone at Post Office Road on Sunday, February 5.