Problems hit Union build-up

OLDHAM RUFC’S hopes of pulling further away from danger in North Lancs/Cumbria division have been dealt a blow.

Just when the Manor Park side looked to be finally resolving its long-standing pack troubles, they have been hit by a wave of new problems as they prepare for tomorrow’s home game against Heaton Moor (2.15pm).

The front row has been weakened by the loss of Paul Wardle and Steve Molloy, who starred in last Saturday’s league victory at Fleetwood.

Prop Chris Heptonstall, who missed the Fleetwood game through injury, remains an injury doubt.

Hooker/prop Dean McEwan, who has recovered from injury, is added to the squad while versatile pack-man Paddy Farnan, who retired from first-team rugby at the end of last season, finds himself summoned back into the squad for the second successive week.

1st XV (Heaton Moor, home, meet club 1-m for 2.15pm kick off): Langley, Gorey, Wilkinson, Ward, Goosman, Barber, Jordan Green, Mellor, Heptonstall, Burston, Rae, Brogan, Cooper, Farnan, Fryer, Hesse, A A Waterhouse, D McEwan.

Extra ‘A’ (Ashton-on-Mersey, away, meet club 12.30pm for 2.30pm kick off): Douthwaite, Fitton, P Watson, Davies, Graham, Walmsley, Collins, Kennedy, Edwards, Mutch, Savage, Suiter, McKenzie, Hushion, Lamb, Flynn, Caveney, Connolly, J Taylor, J Watson.

Vets (North Manchester, away, meet club 1pm for 2.30pm kick off): Bernard, Whitehurst, Bradbury, Brierley, Conboy, Dearden, Forsyth, L Jones, Dom Hall, Hodge, Horsfall, A Jones, Luke, Pickles, Mullholland, Pierre, Royston, Shaw, Trickey, Walsh, White, Roberts, Hilton, Faulkner.

Colts (Widnes, away Sunday, meet Failsworth School 11.15am for 2pm kick off): Ashcroft, Birch, Brennan, Denbigh, Clifford, Collinge, Davey, Froggatt, Goodman, Heginbottom, Holt, Massey, May, McKenna, J McEwan, J Peacock, Piekos, C Roscoe, L Roscoe, Ward, Wan.

Reserves: Simpson, Bearpark, Newton, N Taylor, Howard, Burgess, Crossley, P Waterhouse, Knight.