Lowe’s timely return for Rangers

RUGBY: DALE Lowe returns to the Saddleworth Rangers side for tomorrow’s Kingstone Press National Conference League clash against Eccles at Shaw Hall Bank Road.

It is a timely boost for coach Shane Tupaea, who has lost Matt Fogarty with a broken hand.

The hosts will be hoping Lowe’s comeback can lead to a much-needed win.

Rangers have slithered to third-bottom in Division One as the season nears its halfway mark.

Super League’s Magic Weekend meant all NCL clubs had a day off last Saturday, allowing battered

bodies an opportunity to rest.

Numbers at Rangers training have been good and Tupaea had two familiar names at last night’s session.

Marlon Miller has finished his rugby union commitments and is available, while James Whalley has returned from a stint in Australia.

Their fitness will be assessed before a decision is made as to whether they are included in the match-day 17.

Rangers’ last competitive action was at York Acorn on May 10. The squad, littered with last year’s under-18s, acquitted themselves well in the 24-17 defeat.



With confidence high, WATERHEAD should be too strong for visitors Leigh East, who are second from

bottom in Division Two. But player-coach Chris Hough will not want his Peach Road side to relax with the relevant comforts of mid-table in their sights.



OLDHAM ST ANNE’S need to rediscover their early-season form. After being in touching distance of the summit, they have slipped to sixth in the table.

But coach Mick Fogerty will see tomorrow’s trip to third-bottom Askam as a good chance to regain the winning thread.