Ground link-up a ‘perfect match’

WELCOME TO THE FOLD . . . Oldham RL chairman Chris Hamilton (back row, centre) and some of his match-day staff are pictured with Stalybridge Celtic FC directors Ian Milligan (front, left), Syd White and Gordon Greenwood.

OLDHAM RL Club’s game-day staff are thrilled by the prospect of working at Stalybridge Celtic’s Bower Fold ground where Roughyeds will play their home Championship games this season.

More than 20 of them, headed by club chairman Chris Hamilton, have been introduced to Celtic officials and have had a guided tour of the stadium and its facilities.

One said: “There was a welcome on the mat when we got there and it quickly felt like home from home.

“Bower Fold and Championship rugby league look the perfect match to me. Bring it on.”

Roughyeds personnel were particularly impressed by the quality of the well-groomed pitch at this time of year.

Hamilton said: “We’re delighted to be at Stalybridge — and Stalybridge are genuinely pleased to have us.”

The season begins with the visit to Bower Fold of London Broncos — one of four full-time professional clubs in the 12-team competition — on February 7.