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BOWER FOLD: Roughyeds’ new home ground

RUGBY League’s governing body has approved Oldham’s plan to play home games at Stalybridge Celtic’s Bower Fold ground, the club heard today

The news was expected but a relief for club chairman Chris Hamilton, who had worked for three months to find a ground after the league rejected the club’s own Whitebank home for Championship rugby.

The green light from HQ came three weeks after Oldham agreed the move with Celtic – and just in time to make Hamilton’s New Year celebrations go with a swing.

“We expected it but it’s still good to know the final piece of the jigsaw is in place,” said the Roughyeds’ chief.

Hamilton went on: “The RFL has rubber-stamped all the processes we’ve been through so, obviously, we’re delighted at that. We had to go through several processes, one of which involved a visit to Bower Fold by RFL representatives. All the information was then considered by the RFL board and the last remaining box has now been ticked.

“Bower Fold doesn’t meet minimum standards; it exceeds them. It will be one of the best grounds in the Championship and we’re delighted to be playing there.”