Oldham ‘hit hard’ by Smith departure

PAUL Ashton, Oldham RL reserve team coach, has suffered another blow in the wake of the 84-16 defeat at Featherstone.

Already suffering from a player shortage, he has now lost loose-forward Mark Smith, whose appearance at Post Office Road was his last before his job took him to America for at least a year.

“His loss will hit us hard,” said Ashton, whose under-23s are struggling from the knock-on effect of the many injuries which have severely weakened Tony Benson’s senior side over recent weeks.

Ashton’s squad has also suffered an injury pile-up which has claimed second-row man Ben Bailey (dislocated knee), utility back Ben Thompson (dislocated shoulder), prop Mark Thomas, who is having tests for a stomach disorder, and full-back Matty Lomax, who has an eye injury.




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