Saints out to take revenge

Andy Sands (centre): Struggling with a shoulder injury

AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE: THE TOP pairing in National Conference League division two come face-to-face for the second time this season when Oldham St Anne’s travel to play Eccles tomorrow (2pm kick off).

Mick Cashin’s Saints — easily the top scorers in any of the three divisions on a points-per-game basis — are currently nestled in behind their near-rivals at the summit of division two.

Tomorrow’s game is something of a revenge mission, with Eccles having picked up a 40-22 win at Higginshaw Road back in September.

Cashin feels that his side have got better since then and, with conditions set to be heavy once again, that could well suit a powerful St Anne’s pack.

“It is a big game for us and we are all looking forward to it,” Cashin said.

“We have improved since we last played them, when they were very good on the day to be fair. They will raise their game again and it will be a good test.”

Second row man Martin Ryan (hamstring) is hoping to shake off his injury but there is a bigger question mark hanging over the participation of prop forward Andy Sands, who is suffering from a sore shoulder.

Saddleworth Rangers coach Keith Brennan has no fresh injury concerns as his team, top of division one, travel for a local derby at Rochdale Mayfield.

Rangers defeated West Bowling 16-14 at home last week and will hope to keep their good run going to stave off the challenge at the top from Thatto Heath.

“We are expecting a tough game,” said Brennan.

“But if we perform as we know we can, then if any team beats us you really have to take your hat off to them.”

Waterhead, meanwhile, are searching for a first win in six matches and play Crosfields at home (2pm) in division two.

Mick Slicker, who has lost the services of chief organise Chris Hough to the professional game, will be determined that his team get into their stride quickly after enjoying a free weekend.

Crosfields won the reverse fixture 36-28 back in September.


RL FIXTURES

Saturday — National Conference League, division one: Rochdale Mayfield v Saddleworth Rangers (2.30pm). Division two: Eccles v Oldham St Anne’s (2pm); Waterhead v Crosfields (2pm).

North-West Counties League, division one: Oldham St Anne’s ‘A’ v Folly Lane. Division three: Saddleworth Rangers ‘A’ v Langworthy Reds. Division four: Rochdale Mayfield ‘A’ v Higginshaw. Division five: Bolton Mets v Waterhead ‘A’; Newton Storm v Rochdale Cobras.

Pennine League, division four: Siddal ‘B’ v Hollinwood.

Sunday — Gillette National Youth League: Keighley Cougar Cubs v Saddleworth Rangers.

North-West Counties League, under-18s premier division: Leigh Miners Rangers v Oldham St Anne’s.