Clough, Whitmore escape big bans

JOHN CLOUGH

FEARS that Oldham hookers John Clough and Danny Whitmore might get hefty bans following incidents in a fiery derby clash at Rochdale were allayed last night when they appeared before an RFL disciplinary panel in Leeds.

Clough was on a grade ‘E’ charge — recommended punishment four to eight matches — but he emerged from the hearing with a two-match ban and a £50 fine for pushing an opponent into a perimeter advertising hoarding after the final hooter had sounded.

Whitmore faced the prospect of a three-match ban on a grade ‘C’ charge for sustained punching, but escaped with one game and a £50 fine.

In each case strong representation was made on behalf of the players by their club chairman Chris Hamilton.

Clough will miss Sunday’s Championship One game at London Skolars and the following Friday night’s fifth-round Carnegie Challenge Cup tie against his hometown club St Helens at Langtree Park. See Page 39.

Whitmore will be available for the cup tie, but will miss the game in London where Roughyeds will have to go into action without two of their three recognised hookers.

Martin Roden, the other hooker, and half-back Jamie Dallimore each escaped a ban after entering early guilty pleas on the relatively minor grade ‘A’ charge of punching.





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