Barber a leading light as Oldham aim for title

RUGBY UNION: OLDHAM RUFC are fired up for their final assault on the North Lancashire Division One title.

A handy 13 points clear of second-placed Littleborough – who have two games in hand – the Manor Park men have six more fixtures in which to secure success after a season of bright football.

A reorganisation of the Northern RU divisions is to take place after next season and, should they retain their pitch at the higher level, Oldham would expect to be placed alongside teams much nearer to home than this year, which has imposed strains on travel.

Club chairman Roly Heptonstall said: “They are a youngish team who are all pals together and, apart from our captain Gareth Barber, none of these lads have experienced winning a title. They are all keen to achieve that. They’ve been playing great rugby all season.”

The team travels to Burnley tomorrow and though the hosts are only eighth in the table, having won only four games, they are unlikely to go down without a fight.