Team shaping up nicely — Benson
Reporter: CHRIS LYNHAM
Date published: 03 February 2012
OLDHAM RL Club coach Tony Benson has waxed lyrical about the progress being made by his charges in training — and wants to see them translate it into Sunday’s pre-season friendly trip to Featherstone Rovers.
A positive performance in the 3pm kick-off at Post Office Road would continue the momentum and feelgood factor created by Roughyeds' first two warm-ups — the 22-22 draw at Whitehaven in the SEAT Trophy and a 28-18 home win over St Helens.
Should this weekend’s fixture beat the predicted frosty weather conditions, Benson hopes to see another improvement.
He said: “Things have been shaping up well in training this week, I am happy with the progress being made and the hard work everyone is putting in as every session goes by.
“It has certainly given me even more reason to look forward to our latest pre-season friendly against tough opposition in the form of Featherstone Rovers. It is always an interesting fixture when we meet.
“I think everyone is hoping the weather conditions go in our favour. it would be nice to keep the momentum going and get the match played.
"Should it go ahead, it will be interesting to see what happens because obviously we play against Featherstone again seven days later, at home in the Northern Rail Cup group stages.
“Due to previous meetings we know that we are up against a quality side on Sunday and it is another tough test for us, but one we look forward to and are preparing well for.”
Paul Smith is once again expected to skipper Roughyeds this weekend, with Benson yet to decide on a permanent captain for the new Co-operative Championship One campaign.
And flying winger Paul Ballard is likely to make his Oldham debut — he penned a 10-month contract earlier in the week.
The 27-year-old has been sidelined for a year due to a persistent knee problem, but is back to full fitness and keen to demonstrate the pedigree which saw him represent Celtic Crusaders in the Super League.
Benson added: “Everyone is keen to play and it will be good to get another run-out under their belts.”
