Trio to make Oldham bow

GUY LOVEGREEN

RUGBY:

NEW-LOOK Oldham kick-off life in North Lancs One with a home match against Bury tomorrow.

Steve Hastings, Josh Brown — both centres — and back row Kris Jones will make their debuts at Manor Park as Guy Lovegreen’s men eye a flying start to the 2011-12 campaign.

Gareth Barber will again lead out the side.

Lovegreen said: “Pre-season has gone well and the players have had time to reflect upon performances both individually and collectively.

“There are several new additions to the squad and selection will be a real headache, but it is the sort of problem every coach wants.

“This will hopefully keep players performing at a high level as they know others are waiting in the wings.”

The previous time Oldham played in North Lancs One was in 1997-98, and they went on to win promotion. With less travelling involved this season — Oldham faced trips to deepest Cumbria last term — Lovegreen is expected to have more players available to aid their bid for top honours.