Highton sounds warning

RUGBY LEAGUE: WATERHEAD coach Garry Highton has warned his players to be on their guard in the first round of the BARLA National Cup tomorrow.

The Peach Road outfit, who are bottom of National Conference League Division Two, visit Ryland Sharks (2pm).

The hosts are mid-table in the North-West Counties League Premier Division, and Highton said: “They seem to be suffering the same defensive pains as us, but are good at home and it is a tricky test.”

Waterhead have a catalogue of injuries, with Highton unable to name a squad until the morning of the match.

Nine first-team players are out for the season, including prop Phil Joy, stand-off Michael Brown (both knee) and full-back/centre Lee Melia (broken hand).



Saddleworth Rangers are in need of points at East Hull tomorrow (2pm).
Keith Brennan’s side are fourth from bottom in the Premier Division and require a sudden change of fortune to avoid an end-of-season relegation scrap.

Although Oldham St Anne’s are just below half way in Division One, they are only four points off second-placed Ince Rose Bridge.

Mick Cashin’s men are also on the road tomorrow, with a trip to Stanley Rangers (2pm).