Barber’s boys ready to step up

RUGBY UNION: OLDHAM RUFC kick off the new season tomorrow with expectations high, but their aims realistic.

Having won the North Lancashire Division One title in style last season, Oldham earned the right to play their rugby at a higher level.

Their first match in the ultra-tough North Lancashire and Cumbria League sees them make the long journey North to Wigton. Coach and player captain Gareth Barber is under no illusion about the task.

He said: “No disrespect to the teams in the league we were in last year, but this will be a step up. There are a lot of teams with players who have performed at a much higher level.

“There will be teams with several 30-somethings in their side, while most of our lads are in their early 20s.

“We are excited, but realistic about the challenges ahead. It won’t be an easy season, more one of consolidation. I want the lads to have a good dig at it and try to win more matches than they lose.”

Oldham must begin their campaign without two key players in Josh Watson and Tom Hannon.

Watson has a broken fibula, while Hannon has a torn shoulder. Both could be out until Christmas.