Oldham eye four in a row

Scott Naylor: the Roughyeds coach has warned his side against complacency.

ROUGHYEDS return to league action on Sunday with the visit of Coventry Bears to Whitebank (3pm) for the third time in six weeks.

Roughyeds’ wins in the previous two cup encounters, 42-6 and 46-6, will count for nothing. Coach Scott Naylor is sure to have warned his squad of the dangers of complacency - especially as this first home league game will be their third in 10 days.

The win at Rochdale on the opening day of the Kingstone Press League One campaign and the 18-16 semi-final loss on Wednesday night were both intense, highly-charged affairs which are bound to have dep;eted the squad’s reserves.

The challenge for Oldham will be to move from midweek disappointment and aim for straight wins, starting with Coventry, then South Wales Scorpions, London Skolars and Gloucester All Golds.

On paper at least, games after that group of four look much tougher and more demanding.

Naylor said: “We know all about each other and despite our two previous wins I know we’ll have to be on our mettle. They are well coached and very professional.”

Since last in Oldham, Coventry have signed four young players on loan — three from Hull KR, plus Matt Reid from North Wales Crusaders.