Badby absence blow for Saints

THE ABSENCE of Rick Badby has dealt Oldham St Anne’s a blow ahead of their tough BARLA National Cup third round trip to Siddal tomorrow (2pm kick off).

The experienced stand-off is missing from the Saints party crossing the Pennines to Halifax as a result of work commitments, while coach Mick Cashin has other doubts over Ryan Blake (ankle) and Dave Harris (ankle).

Both are rated as 50-50 shots to play at the Chevinedge home of a side currently level on points at the top of the National Conference League premier division.

St Anne’s enter the tie on the back of a defeat, but Cashin wasn’t displeased by the 28-10 loss at Stanningley last week.

“We didn’t play badly, we just couldn’t get any momentum going and they deserved their win,” he said.

The winners of the third-round clash will be rewarded with a home game against Thatto Heath in the last 16.




SADDLEWORTH Rangers — buoyed this week after landing a Challenge Cup third round draw away to Widnes — have already made it through to the BARLA National Cup fourth round in which competition they take on Halifax-based NCL division two side Ovenden tomorrow (2pm).



Only Jimmy Rogers is missing for Keith Brennan’s side, with Jason Best still able to play despite his red card last weekend.

“It will be tough over there,” said Brennan. “They have got a big pack and go well at home. But we will go there with confidence.”




WATERHEAD have a tough task in front of them, travelling to a Hull-based Myton Warriors side (2.30pm) who are flying high at the top of NCL division two.



“The table doesn’t lie,” said coach Mick Slicker. “They are at the top while we are near the bottom. But our young lads are doing well for us, there’s no doubt about it.”

Chris Charlesworth doesn’t play as he is away but, apart from him and the suspended Mark Leyden, Slicker is selecting from a full-strength squad for the game.