Saints fired up for instant response

WELCOME ON BOARD: from the left: Jordan White, Simon Topping, Mick Wallace, Greg Worrall, Mick Fogerty and Carl Fields.

RUGBY:

RELEGATED last term, Oldham St Anne’s are seeking a swift return to Division One of the National Conference League.

Coach Chris Deakin has acquired much-needed knowhow in centres Terry Whalley and Greg Worrall, full-back Mick Fogerty and Dave Best in the forwards.

The new faces, along with a crop of promising youngsters, should see Saints push hard for promotion.

Deakin said: “We were lacking experience and firepower last year, and that showed in our results.

“The likes of Mick Fogerty, Terry Whalley and Dave Best will make a difference. I’m especially looking for big things from Mick in the back line.

“No disrespect to the division we are in, but I don’t see it as intense as last season when every game was tough.”

Former Oldham RL player Best returns to Higginshaw Lane, but his impact is set to end in June when he moves to France.

Saints also have high hopes of half-back pairing Jordan White and Nathan Jewitt, who are tasked with guiding the team around the park.

St Anne’s kick off at Askam on Saturday.

“The lads have had a good pre-season.

“They have trained hard and I saw the benefit in the recent Standard Cup game against Rochdale Mayfield.

“The players were pushing really hard at the death and that’s where their fitness showed.”