Brennan sights on cup success

CHRIS GARFORTH: Doubtful starter for Rangers.

KEITH BRENNAN is not expecting an easy ride for his Saddleworth Rangers team at Hull Isberg tomorrow (1.30pm kick off).

Despite rumours circulating that the National Conference League division two club’s open age team is facing a player exodus, the Rangers coach is taking nothing for granted as he attempts to guide his side into the second round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup — a competition he is keen to do well in.

“Progressing in the Challenge Cup was one of the goals we set ourselves at the beginning of the season,” said Brennan, who could be without Danny Attersall (ankle and dead leg) for the trip across the M62.

“We expect a tough battle as it always is facing a Hull team. Even if a side isn’t doing too well in the league it can be a different story when it comes to cup competitions so we have to be mindful of that.”

Isberg, bottom of NCL division two with only one win from 14 games this season, received a bye to get to this stage.

They may not have to face the talents of experienced hooker or half-back Chris Garforth, who has an ankle problem and is doubtful, while Matt Bottom (abductor muscle) is also struggling and is likely to sit this one out.

Waterhead were also given a free pass through to round one and tackle NCL division two counterparts Castleford Lock Lane at home for the second week running (1.30pm).

Coach Mick Slicker is again expected to call on a very youthful side to front up to powerful opposition and will be hoping for another big performance from scrum-half Michael Diveny, named as Waterhead’s man-of-the-match in the team’s agonising 18-16 home defeat to the side from West Yorkshire last week.

Oldham St Anne’s are involved in league action in NCL division one — very much their ‘bread and butter’ from now on in, as coach Mick Cashin admitted.

“We are position where we have to pick points up and this is a game we really need to win,” he said, ahead of the game away at second-bottom Shaw Cross Sharks (2pm).

Phil Jagger and Rick Badby look set to return for a game which, should Saints pull of a victory, will see the Higginshaw Road side climb out of the relegation zone.

Shaw Cross have picked up recently, though, and drew 19-19 with fourth-placed Dudley Hill last week.