Farrimond gets the inside track

CALLING THE SHOTS: Saddleworth Rangers coach Craig Farrimond.

RUGBY: CRAIG Farrimond had an army of spies watching the Royal Navy’s every move in preparation for tomorrow’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup tie in Portsmouth.

The Saddleworth Rangers coach contacted former team-mates at Rochdale Hornets, who spent a weekend on the South Coast as part of their pre-season build-up.

“They had a full-contact game against the Navy side, so the information gleaned from that has been useful,” said Farrimond.

“They are a big set; fit lads as well, but they certainly don’t hold any fears for us.”

Farrimond is without Scott Booth this weekend, and for the foreseeable future, after he sustained a shoulder injury in the Standard Cup victory over Waterhead.

Ryan Moores and Dale Lowe are also missing. Danny Attersall is a straight swop for Booth at centre, while Matthew Bottom, Chris Yarwood and Liam Hall are added to the squad.

The Navy certainly won’t be pushovers. They have beaten Waterhead Warriors twice and Leigh Miners in previous competitions.

Coach Steve Lockton has a core of 30 players, but is limited by some of them being away on duty.

A name to look out for in the Navy ranks is James Shaw, son of former Saddleworth Rangers player Terry.