Much at stake in derby duel

RUGBY:

WATERHEAD and Saddleworth Rangers are reaching out for a lifeline.

They meet at Peach Road in a game of massive importance at the wrong end of the National Conference League Division One table tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm).

Victory for Waterhead would be a shot in the arm in their struggle to avoid relegation - but would leave Rangers doomed for the drop.

If the visitors win, it would keep alive their faint hopes of retaining their present status and leave Mick Whaley’s men on the edge of the precipice.

Whaley said: “I think it has been a frustrating season for both sides, but everybody is looking forward to a good contest this weekend.

“Apart from Terry Fitzgerald, who has a knee injury, and Carl Sneyd, who is unavailable, we are in good shape. We’ll give it our best shot and I’m sure so will Rangers because, apart from local pride, there is a lot to play for.”

Waterhead wrap-up their campaign against Hunslet Warriors on October 12, while Rangers have two more games.

Whaley’s opposite number Shane Tupaea is without a clutch of players, because of injury, including Danny Turner, Phil Wood, Chris Yarwood, Ryan Moores and Marlon Miller.

“The equation for us is very clear,” said Tupaea. “We can’t afford to leave anything in the dressing room for the next game, because the next game won’t count if we don’t win tomorrow.”