May the force be with Saints

RUGBY: MICK Fogerty’s record as a player in the Standard Cup reads no wins from three games. As a coach it is one played, one won.

On Easter Monday, he is hoping to make it two from two as his Oldham St Anne’s outfit take on Rochdale Mayfield in the final at Manor Park (kick-off 11.45am).

But Fogerty admits it is a tall order against a team sitting second in Kingstone Press National Conference Division One.

“Mayfield are a very good side and I shouldn’t think we’ll face better all season,” said Fogerty, who has Simon Topping and Craig Highton available.

“The defeat by Pilkington Recs the other week proved a wake-up call — maybe the players realised they weren’t as good as they thought they were — and the response was good in beating Castleford Panthers last Saturday.

“It still means something to lift the Standard Cup, especially for the younger players who haven’t experienced the final before.”

It is eight years since the two sides met in the final, and it was Saints who came out on top courtesy of a 32-18 victory.


AN OVER-35s masters‚ game, featuring two sides made up of players past and present, precedes the main event at Manor Park (10.45am).
It will be played in memory of ex-Oldham RL player Johnny Blair, a great supporter of the local amateur game.


TOMORROW’S National Conference League action sees Shane Tupaea’s Saddleworth Rangers side visit Division One leaders Oulton Raiders, who boast a 100-per-cent record of six wins from as many games.
In Division Two, Oldham St Anne’s are also on their travels. They go to Halifax to play Ovenden, who are a point and one place below Saints in third.

Waterhead face a stern test as well. Chris Hough’s men welcome unbeaten high-fliers Kells to Peach Road, also in Division Two.