Saints look for away-day tonic

OLDHAM St Anne’s travel up to Millom searching for a win that would keep them ahead of their Cumbrian opponents and outside the National Conference League division one relegation zone (2pm kick off).

Saints will be without full-back Lee Forsythe, who fractured an ankle when turning in a divot during last weekend’s 23-16 home loss to Eastmoor Dragons.

John Docherty will also miss the trip due to work commitments, while Chris Carter’s groin injury could stop him playing a part, but half-back Kiel Lancashire (groin) should recover in time to play.

Despite that Eastmoor loss, coach Mick Cashin was far from disheartened with the work ethic of his team and is hoping for a repeat show tomorrow afternoon.

“We did well against Eastmoor and put in 100-per-cent effort,” Cashin said.

“They aren’t a bad side at all and have had some tough games at sides near the top of the table.

“We had them on the fringes, but they were very physical and played to their strengths around the ruck.”

Saddleworth Rangers coach Keith Brennan was delighted with the way his side went about their work in a 36-10 win at Normanton Knights last week and is hopeful of back-to-back wins when facing West Bowling at Shaw Hall Bank Road tomorrow (2.30pm).

“We did very well,” said Brennan. “It was an intimidating place to go to but the young lads really stood up.”

Emerson Jackman will be missing from the team once again, along with Matt Bottom and Liam Coates, who both have around another month to wait before making returns from injury. Simon Parrish should be back.

Following a week without a fixture, Waterhead coach Mick Slicker is hopeful his side can pick up where they left off in defeating Stanley Rangers 33-16.

The Peach Road side are at home tomorrow against Castleford Lock Lane in division two.

Slicker should have his options boosted by a number of returning players, including Keiran Grennan, Rory Freek, Paddy Slicker and Danny Mortin.

Victory could push Waterhead up as high as seventh in the table and a continuation of the sparkling form of young Will Schofield will help achieve that objective.