Saints are rising to the challenge

MASTERFUL: Among those taking part in the Masters Rugby League event at Waterhead at the weekend were, left to right: Keith Whitmore, Richard Russell, Barrie McDermott, Arnie Hema, Mick Scott, Terry Flanagan and Terry O’Connor.

A THRILLING 22-20 Oldham St Anne’s win over Stanningley helped them to top spot in the early Rugby Oldham Challenge table.

However, the all-new scoring system — which rewards teams for attacking and defensive prowess — means that Waterhead, who have lost both of the National Conference League division two matches so far, are only two points adrift of the Higginshaw Road side.

Hollinwood picked up three points in their opening match, while Rochdale Cobras and Saddleworth Rangers have yet to play.

This week’s big game in NCL division one has St Anne’s travelling to Saddleworth Rangers.

It is a clash Rangers chairman Terry Flanagan is very much looking forward to.

“The amateur game in the town is on a high at the moment and that was reflected in the Masters event at the weekend,” said Flanagan, who played in the over-35s event at Waterhead.

“On Saturday we will have two teams gunning for the top. St Anne’s have had a good start and we have yet to play, so hopefully it will be a great event in front of a really big crowd.”

Waterhead, who have started the season with two narrow defeats, may now have to do without the services of Mick Fogerty.

The centre announced his return to the Peach Road club with a try on the season’s opening day, but after gaining early release from his Keighley Cougars contract he is rumoured to be on the verge of signing a deal to play at Rochdale Hornets.

“It would be a loss but we have got a lot of good young players here,” said coach Mick Slicker.

Waterhead lost 20-12 at Cumbrian side Egremont at the weekend, but Slicker believes his side will learn from their mistakes.

“We were a bit too nice on the day and need to be a bit more ruthless,” he said.

“We came back strongly in the game and had them worried at the end, though.

“The players we have had in for pre-season are showing up well and I am quite happy with the good, young squad we have got here.”




LITTLE went right for Higginshaw in their opening game, which ended in a 38-8 loss at West Bank Bears.



First, four players were held up on the M62 on the way to the Widnes club for the North-West Counties League division four clash, after the car they were travelling in ran out of petrol.

The quartet managed to get on the field half-an-hour after kick-off — but as if that wasn’t bad enough for Higgy, by then Kris Richards had already been controversially sent off for his alleged involvement in a brawl.

The game started out in positive fashion for the visitors and spent a the opening period camped out on the opposition line without reward.

A West Bank try on 10 minutes was followed by a Guy Harvey penalty goal for Higginshaw. A soft try was again followed by a Harvey kick, before a Michael Smith effort five minutes before half-time — after a 20-metre burst from Andy Kelly — reduced the gap to two points.

But a converted try on the stroke of half-time increased the lead once again.

Higginshaw, whose outstanding performer on the day was Gareth Brindley, continued to battle on, but four second-half tries eased West Bank home against the depleted visitors.

All other North-West Counties games involving local sides were postponed due to bad weather.