Final rivals set to clash again

Waterhead’s Paul Greener looks to offload in the tackle in the 30-16 home defeat by Eccles which lifted the visitors to second place in the National Conference second division.

HOLDERS Waterhead will enjoy home advantage when they take on Saddleworth Rangers in the quarter-finals of this season’s Standard Cup, in a repeat of the Good Friday final.

On that day the men from Peach Road were too good for heavily-fancied Saddleworth, deservedly running out 12-6 victors to bring the trophy back to Waterhead Park.

While Mick Slicker’s side have had an indifferent start to their National Conference League division two campaign, Rangers currently sit top of division one with eight wins from 10 matches played.

Once again, it could be that the favourites in the post-Christmas clash could originate from Greenfield. The tie takes place on Sunday, December 27 (1.30pm kick off).

The other two confirmed fixtures in the Oldham Amateur League’s flagship competition have Hollinwood travelling to play Higginshaw, while newcomers Ashton under Lyne RFC are at home to Oldham St Anne’s.

Rochdale Cobras have a bye, unless League officials can persuade one of the two clubs they are currently in discussions with to take up the final available place in what would be an eight-team knockout competition.

The inclusion of the Ashton club from the ‘other’ code will raise eyebrows but the club boast plenty of league experience within their playing ranks and have pedigree in the Standard Cup, having previously won the competition in 1912. The club also competed in the 1950s.

This year’s final takes place at Boundary Park on Easter Sunday, April 4.

The switch from last season’s Good Friday date is necessary as Oldham Athletic have a home match against Gillingham on Saturday, April 3.