Geener excited by local derby opener

RUGBY: THE National Conference League Interim campaign starts with a bang tomorrow.

Oldham St Anne’s, with Chris Deakin back in command, play host to local rivals Waterhead in a mouthwatering encounter (2.30pm).

And while Deakin will look to bring the good times back to Higginshaw Road, Saints’ opponents have also made a switch at the helm, with Jon Perks and Paul Geener taking joint control.

Geener had a spell in charge last season when outgoing coach Garry Highton was unavailable and also the previous year following the resignation of Mick Slicker.

The joint coaches have supervised a big recruitment drive, which has seen plenty of faces, new and old, arrive at Peach Road.

Included in the new-look line-up is Carl Sneyd. The centre missed all of last season at Champioship outfit Swinton because of injury, but now is back and raring to go after getting a taste for it again in a friendly against Hollinwood.

Ray Logan and Ryan Collins will be also among the players pulling on the green and red of Waterhead against Deakin’s Saints.

Geener is looking forward to the derby test.

He said: “It’s a great way to start, and although St Anne’s are the favourites, I think it will be a close call.

“Saints played in the division above last season and now we’re up against them, so we know how hard it’s going to be.

“We’re taking this competition seriously. We want to do as well as we can because it will give us a good idea where we are for the new summer league next spring.”

The two sides feature in Group ‘E’ of a competition featuring 12 fixtures per side, ending in a Grand Final at an as-yet unspecified venue on Saturday, November 19.

Saddleworth Rangers are involved in a mainly Calderdale based Group ‘C’ and their opening game under new coach Martin Crompton is a tough one, away at Siddal (1.30pm).

Every one of the 40 teams involved plays the other four in its respective group home and away and also takes on a single side from the adjacent group twice, giving a total of 12 matches per club.