Elswood returns to Roughyeds

MARTIN ELSWOOD: Signed a deal to play reserve rugby.

MARTIN ELSWOOD has re-joined the Roughyeds and will play in the reserves at Hunslet tonight.

The local 25-year-old second row last played for the club in the 2005 season, before dropping out of the game altogether. Over two seasons, Elswood made 36 appearances - a total he will now hope to add to should his spell in the second team be a success.

“Obviously there is a fair way for him to go,” said chief executive Chris Hamilton, who confirmed Elswood has signed a deal which currently only allows for reserves rugby.

“He hasn’t played since he stopped with us, though he has been training and keeping himself fit. If all goes well he should be a useful acquisition.”

Joining Elswood in the reserves side this evening will be Daryl Cardiss, Simon Baldwin, Luke Sutton and possibly Craig Littler.

Rouhgyeds coach Steve Deakin is waiting on naming his squad for Sunday’s big clash with National League Two leaders Gateshead Thunder at Sedgley Park until those involved tonight have been given the chance to prove they have suffered no adverse reaction.

Cardiss will play for half and hour at Hunslet and is earmarked to come into the first team on the wing as a replacement for the suspended Gareth Langley, for a game which Roughyeds officials hope will attract a big crowd.

“It is a big game and though it isn’t ideal playing our ‘home’ matches away from Boundary Park, it just means that the supporters have an even bigger role to play in creating a great atmosphere,” said Mr Hamilton, who confirmed there are still a handful of places left on the free fans’ coaches to the game.

Gateshead, meanwhile, are boosted by the return of Chris Parker, whose suspension was reduced from three games to one in midweek.

“We really need a big win this week and I’m sure Oldham are thinking the same,” said Thunder coach Dave Woods. “They’ll be going all out for it, that’s for sure.”

Oldham (from): O’Connor,Cardiss, Nanyn, Onyango, Roden, Coyle, Boults, Hoyle, Mervill, Halliwell, Hodson, Brooks, Baines, Joseph, Tamghart, Roberts, Goulden, Baldwin, Sutton, Littler.