Ell of a blow for Saints

Jason Best (right) was handed a two-match ban for punching against Elland.

RUGBY: OLDHAM St Anne’s miss several players this weekend as a result of disciplinary action over a fierce battle with Elland.

The contest, a month ago, featured five red cards and two all-in brawls.

The damage wasn’t restricted to a 34-18 defeat for Saints. The NCL disciplinary board has ruled prop forward David Best is to miss four games for punching. Twin brother Jason will be absent for two matches for punching, a punishment also handed to Chris Carter.

Damage to the line-up doesn’t end there, with no fewer than SIX other players set to miss the game with third-bottom Stanningley due to holidays and work commitments.

“It is one of the difficulties of summer rugby,” said coach Chris Deakin of his selection headache. “As luck would have it we have no second team game, so I might give three or four under-18s a run.”



Elsewhere, WATERHEAD will attempt to stop the rot in an important home fixture with Dewsbury Celtic in Division One.

The Peach Road club has lost five of its last six matches. Despite sitting in mid-table after a promising start, no team has conceded more points than their 559 in 16 fixtures.

The Dewsbury side are fourth-bottom, having gained only four wins from 18 matches.



SADDLEWORTH RANGERS have a tough job to return from an away game at Wigan St Jude’s with points

But Shane Tupaea is sure to have his side fired up to cause an upset for the current division leaders.