Rangers aim to bounce back

AMATEUR RUGBY: SADDLEWORTH Rangers coach Keith Brennan is hoping his side can find its best form once again to remain on top of National Conference League division one.

Last week’s 24-22 reverse at Thornhill Trojans came as something of a surprise but Rangers did at least make up for it the following day, seeing off Waterhead to reach the semi-finals of the Standard Cup.

But Brennan is now focused on getting league points and to that end is keen to keep things tight against visitors Millom at Shaw Hall Bank Road tomorrow (2.30pm kick-off).

“We have got to get back to winning ways in the league,” said Brennan, who welcomes back James Whalley, after suspension, and Jason Best, following a groin injury.

“We have been giving away a lot of penalties so it is important that we keep those to a minimum.”

Oldham St Anne’s are on a similar mission in division two, with coach Mick Cashin hoping to halt a run of three consecutive defeats in all competitions.

No panic button is being pressed at Higginshaw Road though, with the combined points deficit in those games totalling a mere six.

And the Saints coach believes his side are ready to take on what could be a formidable challenge from visitors Egremont tomorrow (2.30pm), who stunned leaders Eccles with an amazing 70-0 win last week.

“It wasn’t our best performance last week,” said Cashin, who enters the game on the back of a 20-16 reverse at Crosfields. “But at training this week the lads have had the bit between their teeth.”

The only expected absentee for St Anne’s is the unavailable John Doherty.

Waterhead, meanwhile, entertain stunned Eccles on home soil (2.30pm) and will need to be wary of a reaction from their opponents.

Injury doubts hang over Kieran Grennan, Matthew Barran and Rory Freek but that aside, coach Paul Geener heads into the game in confident mood.

“It will be a tough game but I think if everyone is fit and we play like I know we can, we have a chance of winning,” he said.