Cobras move within sight of Rangers

ROCHDALE Cobras are poised to pounce on Rugby Oldham Challenge champions Saddleworth Rangers.

The Greenfield outfit's 26-12 reverse away at Castleford Panthers in National Conference League division one, doubled with the Cobras' own 36-4 triumph at Bolton Mets in North-West Counties League division five, has reduced the leaders' points gap at the head of the table to one.

However, the overall prize is decided on a points-per-game basis. And at the moment, Saddleworth have picked up an average of 6.5 each match, with the Rochdale outfit in front on 8.5 at this stage, having played two matches less.

In the Joseph Parr (Alco) Ltd Man of Steel standings, Oldham St Anne's half-back Kiel Lancashire leads the way with four man-of-the-match nominations so far this season.

Close behind him is Waterhead playmaker Terry Fitzgerald on three, with three players — Michael Cadd (Higginshaw), Pete Jackson (Hollinwood) and 2008 joint winner Michael Coates (Saddleworth) — on two each.