Grounds for optimism

OLDHAM RL are almost certain to return to action tomorrow night when Featherstone Rovers visit Whitebank in the group stages of the Northern Rail Cup (8pm kick-off).

The fixture was postponed on Sunday due to a frozen playing surface, but rising temperatures have resulted in a welcome thaw.

Oldham should have played five times by now, but adverse weather conditions have seen them get just two run-outs.

Club chairman Chris Hamilton said: "It is looking good for tomorrow night, the pitch has improved significantly and it would be such a relief to play.

"I have never known a pre-season like it. It has been so frustrating for everyone concerned because it has been one disruption after another.

"It certainly has not helped the cash flow, but also the players need to get back into the routine of training in the week and playing at the weekend. That needs to happen as soon as possible.

"For the fans, it has been tough. We had a pre-season friendly against St Helens recently, but the last competitive home game was in mid-August, which is scary when you think about it.

"We are all looking forward to tomorrow night's mouth-watering clash with Fev, who have designs on winning the Northern Rail Cup."