Sands ‘confident’ ahead of derby duel

RUGBY: ALAN Williamson’s work commitments prevent him from turning out for Waterhead’s derby clash at Rochdale Mayfield (2.30pm kick-off).

But unlike last weekend, coach Andy Sands has a relatively strong squad to select from.

Ten players were absent for one reason or another six days ago, as the Peach Road side slipped to a 26-16 defeat at Millom in Division One.

“It was a bit of a shambles last week,” Sands said. “We had a lot of players missing, but we should be a lot better tomorrow.”

The game at Castleton Sports Centre puts together the two teams that contested the Standard Cup final on Easter Monday.

Waterhead came out on top of that clash in the Oldham Amateur League’s prize event, claiming the trophy thanks to a thrilling 25-24 victory, secured thanks to Terry Fitzgerald’s late drop goal.

“They will want to get one over on us, that’s for sure,” added Sands. “It is a difficult place to go to, but we are confident.”

Elsewhere in Division One, Saddleworth Rangers embark on another ‘must-win’ game — having lost at Shaw Hall Bank Road last week.

Emmerson Jackman’s side went down 30-22 to Dewsbury Celtic on home soil to increase their woes, pricking the bubble of optimism built up after the previous week’s success over Millom.

Still second-bottom of the table, the Greenfield side tomorrow take on the only team faring worse at this stage of the season.

Visitors Stanley Rangers have won only one of their 12 matches to date, though they did run Waterhead close recently and on Saturday, lost 28-20 at home to a Wigan St Jude’s side who sit top of the pile.

In Division Two, Oldham St Anne’s are at home against Elland, a side from just across the Pennines and within touching distance in the mid-section of the table.

Saints were beaten 42-16 at top dogs Normanton Knights last week — the leaders scored a flurry of late tries — having travelled with a depleted squad.

Sitting sixth out of 11 teams, the campaign in still in the balance for Saints who will climb a point above their opponents tomorrow with a win.