Jackman demands away-day lift-off

RUGBY:

SADDLEWORTH Rangers may be buzzing after their superb defeat of high-flying Ince Rose Bridge, but coach Emerson Jackman is not yet a happy man.

While admitting that results at home have been positive — prior to the 12-10 defeat of Ince, the Greenfield side saw off East Hull 24-16 — Jackman points to heavy losses on unfamiliar soil.

Rangers travel to face mid-table Hull Dockers tomorrow (2.30pm kick-off).

And their coach has laid down the law that the two previous visits to the same area, featuring defeats at West Hull (48-16) and Myton (68-4), were not acceptable for a team that has the avoidance of relegation on their agenda.

Saddleworth are currently third-bottom of the National Conference League’s Premier Division.



In Division One, OLDHAM ST ANNE’S can haul themselves off the foot of the table with a win at fellow strugglers Castleford Panthers (2.30pm).

Coach Chris Deakin is expecting a difficult game, though his side should be in good spirits following their last-gasp comeback in the 34-32 home loss to York Acorn.

Saints should be boosted by the return of experienced men Jason and David Best and Mick Martindale to the ranks, while Rick Badby is set to continue in his half-back role.



Waterhead will move to within a point of third-placed Ovenden in Division Two if they manage to see off Halifax away from home (2.30pm).

The Peach Road side were beaten 16-4 at leaders Shaw Cross Sharks last time out. But sitting in fifth place, the club have games in hand on two of the sides above them — including Ovenden.







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