Stunning RL trophy goes on show

the Mayor, Councillor Jim McArdle, and Oldham Amateur Rugby League chairman Ray Hicks with the stunning Oldham Standard Challenge Cup

PEOPLE can take a closer look at a stunning piece of the borough’s sporting heritage.

The ornate Oldham Standard Challenge Cup — first lifted by Heyside in 1904 — has gone on display at the Civic Centre.

The solid silver trophy was presented to the Oldham Amateur Rugby League by the Oldham Evening Standard, now the Evening Chronicle.

But because it is worth in excess of £15,000, it costs the league too much to insure, so a replica was made five years ago and the original has been kept in a bank vault.

It has now been loaned to Oldham Council where it will be displayed with the borough’s other civic silver outside the main council chamber.

League secretary Nigel Hollingsworth said: “It is a beautiful cup. You have actually got to see it up close to appreciate it.

“Since 1904 we have played for it every year, apart from during the war years when the competition was suspended from 1916 to 1919 and 1940 to 1945.

“It is one of the most prestigious cups in amateur rugby league, not just in Oldham but in the country.”

Saddleworth Rangers beat Higginshaw 54-6 to win this year’s standard cup final at Manor Park on Good Friday.