Hospital pass for Nixon

Photo: Vincent Brown

WELCOME TO THE WORLD: Lucy is surrounded by mum Janine, sister Jessica and dad Darren.

RUGBY: DARREN Nixon had a cast-iron excuse to sit out the opening fixture of the new National Conference League summer campaign — he had become a dad for the second time only hours before kick-off.

The 30-year-old centre was all set to play his part against Askam, but instead found himself rushing wife Janine to hospital on the eve of the game.

Lucy was born at 4.30am — she weighed 8lb 5oz — with mum and daughter at home on the same day.

Darren said: “I was looking forward to the game, but I wouldn’t have missed the birth for the world.

“I texted everyone about the news and the coach (Paul Geener) sent one back asking if I could still play!

“I declined the invitation.”

Darren won’t get a chance to pull on his boots this weekend either, as Waterhead are without a fixture.


SADDLEWORTH Rangers are in action, with Myton Warriors the visitors for a Carnegie Challenge Cup second-round clash.
Coach Emerson Jackman will be looking for a good response from his side after they conceded 50 points in the defeat at Ince Rose Bridge on the opening day of the National Conference League Premier Division campaign.

Meanwhile, Oldham St Anne’s entertain Rochdale Mayfield tomorrow in the last four of the Standard Cup (2.30pm).

The other semi-final takes place on Tuesday, with Saddleworth Rangers at home to Waterhead (8pm).

OLDHAM St Anne’s ‘A’ meet Eccles and Salford Juniors ‘A’ in the opening pool match of the North-West Counties Men’s Open Summer League’s ‘War of the Roses’ competition tomorrow. Kick-off at Stoneleigh Park is 2pm.