Local rugby league; Rangers and Saints derby clash

SADDLEWORTH Rangers do battle with Oldham St Anne’s in what promises to be a tight local derby tomorrow (2.30pm kick off).

With their scheduled game at Shaw Cross Sharks called off last week, hotly-tipped Rangers have yet to play a game in National Conference League division one.

But while expecting a big crowd for the visit of Saints — who were 22-20 winners over Stanningley last week, following a loss two weeks earlier — Saddleworth coach Keith Brennan is keen to focus minds solely on the match itself.

“From a coach’s point of view it is just another game and I am sure that St Anne’s will approach it in exactly the same way,” said Brennan, who will select from a fully-fit squad.

St Anne’s have no fresh concerns going into the game either and coach Mick Cashin was pleased with the way they went about their business to pick up two points last Saturday.

“It was a cracking first half from us and though they came back at us after the break, we showed great character to win,” he said.

“We scored some very well-constructed tries, based on things we have been working on as well, so that was also pleasing.”

Waterhead are hoping to pick up a first victory of the season when taking on Ovenden (2.30pm).

Hooker Jimmy Kirkland is back on board and the ex-Roughyeds starlet, who produced a man-of-the-match performance in last week’s 20-12 loss at Egremont, will hope his catalogue of injury problems are now behind him.

“He is a very good player,” said coach Mick Slicker. “He has a terrific attitude and doesn’t drop his level.”