Waterhead fit again after pitch perils

RUGBY LEAGUE

TWO games in as many days is the scenario facing Waterhead this weekend.

First-up are visitors Eccles for a National Conference League Division One fixture (2.30pm), while Higginshaw is Sunday’s stop-off in the semi-finals of the Oldham Amateur League’s Standard Cup (2pm).

Coach Andy Sands has spent the last few days checking on his wounded players, but is confident of naming a full-strength Waterhead squad for tomorrow’s clash.

Centre Matt Fogarty (twisted knee) and full-back Ash Wildman (knee) should be okay after sustaining injuries in the first half on the artificial pitch at Milford Marlins.

Props Danny Knight and Martin Sarsfield missed that opening-day loss but are available, while full-back Alan Williamson could in contention after recovering from a back problem.

“By half-time last Saturday I had no replacements,” said Sands. “I couldn’t believe it.

“I haven’t seen so many players with lower back and ankle complaints.

“It was the first time we had played on that surface and there was no give. It should be a lot different this week at home.”

OLDHAM St Anne’s also have home comforts tomorrow.
Castleford Panthers make trip from West Yorkshire to Higginshaw Lane for a NCL Division Two clash (2.30pm).

Saints appeared to be cruising to victory at Askam last weekend — they were 18-0 ahead mid-way through the first half — only to finish up on the wrong end of a 26-18 scoreline.

If Chris Deakin’s side can maintain their energy and skill levels for the entire 80 minutes, then a first success of the season could well be in the offing.

A TRIP to Hunslet Old Boys is the task facing Saddleworth Rangers in round three of the Tetley’s Challenge Cup tomorrow (2.30pm).

It won’t be easy, though, for Emmerson Jackman’s men from NCL Division One. The hosts are riding high in the top flight of the Pennine League.

HOLLINWOOD’S Pennine League, Division Five fixture away to Hanging Heaton tomorrow has been postponed, because the hosts are unable to raise a team.