Coach expects ‘big response’

Photo: PICTURE: CHRIS SUNDERLAND

JASON BOULTS . . . late fitness test on a wrist injury as he closes in on 200 career games.

COACHING staff and players have had a “pretty serious” look at themselves this week in the wake of Oldham RL Club’s shock home defeat by North Wales Crusaders at Whitebank.

A Welsh team with the worst defensive record in the division became the first side this season to win a league game at Whitebank, where Roughyeds had twice seen off the challenge of high-flying Barrow.

Oldham’s 36-32 loss earned them a bonus point, but from a possible nine-point haul in the last three league games against Rochdale and London Skolars away and the Welsh new boys at Whitebank, they have earned only four.

But they couldn’t face a tougher test than Sunday’s trip to the Keepmoat Stadium (3pm kick-off) to face an in-form Doncaster side which tops the Championship One table with six wins out of seven and boasts a 286-point haul .

He said: “We analysed last week’s performance and had a very long session in doing so.

“It’s important we get back on track quickly.”

Smith and Onyango are thought to be the biggest doubts for the side.

Onyango was able to join the squad for some of the training this week, but is still doubtful for weekend

If Boults plays he will reach the milestone of 200 career games, having played 57 for Halifax and 142 for Oldham.




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