Naylor relishing Crusaders semi

TOTAL COMMITMENT: Adam Clay (left) produces a superb tackle at Barrow.

OLDHAM RL Club’s reward for their great win at Barrow in the iPro Sport League One Cup is a semi-final at Whitebank on March 29 against North Wales Crusaders.

Roughyeds, who have set their sights on winning this new trophy, heard the draw on their way back from Barrow - where tries by Michael Ward, Sam Gee and two each by wingers Adam Clay and the dual-registered Jodie Broughton, from Huddersfield, inflicted the Raiders’ first defeat of the season.

Said coach Scott Naylor: “It’s good to be at home in the semi, but as a Championship team last year, like Barrow, Crusaders will be favourites. They have a few of our former players, which will add some extra spice.”

Crusaders hammered Rochdale 28-4 in Wrexham to reach the last four. The other semi-final is Swinton v Newcastle, who beat Keighley and York respectively, both away from home.

Oldham are also in cup action this coming Sunday when they play one of the top teams in the Championship, Sheffield Eagles, away from home in the fourth round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.

Michael Ward may be sidelined because he was knocked out at Barrow in a tackle by Dan Toal which was placed on report.