Play-offs hold no fears, says Hamilton

OLDHAM RL chairman Chris Hamilton will have more confidence in his current squad than ever before should they head into the Championship One play-offs.

Sunday’s shock 24-24 home draw against rock-bottom Gloucester meant league leaders Oldham are now only four points clear of North Wales Crusaders, who have three games left to play against Oldham’s one.

North Wales can afford to lose a games and still win the title and automatic promotion — but Hamilton isn’t losing any sleep.

He said: “If it is going to be the play-offs for us, then so be it. With the coaches and players we have I would definitely be more confident this year than I ever have been.

“We were disappointed to be pegged back by Gloucester on Sunday, especially after being 18-0 up at half-time. But we’ve seen lately that Gloucester are a much different team to the one we beat earlier in the season.

“We’ve got to knuckle down for the Rochdale game on Thursday now, though. We’re looking forward to that one.”

While some Oldham supporters may already be resigned to a second-place finish and the play-offs, Hamilton is still hopeful North Wales will lose one or more of their remaining fixtures.