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AMEMBER OF IFA NETWORK LIMITED WHICH IS REGULATED BY THE PERSONAL INVESTMENT AUTHORITY, ♦THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT REGULATED BY THE PERSONAL INVESTMENT AUTHORITY. YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON AMORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. WRIHEN DETAILS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. ... with Christopher Hamilton Football Club (1997) Limited A P R O S P E R O U S N e w 64 Union Street Ye a r t o e v e r y b o d y a t O l d h a m 0 L 1 I D J today’s game. Telephone: 0161 628 3677 What agame to start Fax: 0161 627 5700 off the New Year with, Club Shop: 0161 627 2141 which due to the postponement of the CHAIRMAN Christopher Hamilton Chorley game, means it is DIRECTORS Christopher Hamiliton, Stewart also our first home game Hardacre, Sean Whitehead HEAD COACH of the season. Mike Ford ASSISTANT COACH h a v e m a d e a n u m b e r o f John Henderson

A L L I A N C E C O A C H big name signings during Haydn Walker the close season which ACADEMY COACH Mark Knight have seen them installed as the Northern Ford ACADEMY MANAGER Pete Beswick FIRST TEAM PHYSIOTHERAPIST Premiership favourites. If both teams have won their Lisa Sharratt Christmas games then somebody’s 100% unbeaten ALLIANCE/ACADEMY PHYSIOTHERAPISTS record will have to give today. Jodie Whittle, Danni Turner CONDITIONER The players have already had two impressive wins Tony O'Brien TIMEKEEPER up in Cumbria and particularly the Workington John Barrett C L U B D O C T O R performance was very professional and ruthless. Those Dr Ian Wilkinson

C L U B D E N T I S T are qualities we need to achieve each week if we want Neil Gibbison to be amongst the top teams in the competition. STATISTICS Eddie Barton, Bruce Deadman The support you have given the team so far has P R O G R A M M E E D I T O R Geoff Cooke once again been excellent and hopefully today will see B O A R D R O O M S U P E R V I S O R Lewis Laverty you once again raise the roof! C L U B H O N O U R S Today is also the first time that the team will have AJLaw Cup Winners 1998, 1999/2000 played in the ‘new’ J. W. Lees kit and we hope to start it Trans Pennine Cup Finalist 1998 H A L L O F F A M E M E M B E R S off on awinning note. (SPONSORED BY J. W. LeES, BhEWERS) Joe Ferguson 1899-23, Our thanks go to J. W. Lees, Claims Network and Alan Davies 1950-62, Bernard Ganley ProSport for backing the club and we hope to repay their 1950-61, John Etty 1954-59, Derek Turner 1955-59, Bob Irving 1964-74, faith in us by providing 100% commitment both on and Martin Murphy 1966-82, Andy Goodway 1979-85 &1993-94 off the field. Enjoy the game and get behind the team. FRONT COVER Best wishes, Action from the recent win C h r i s H a m i l t o n at Workington

The views expressed in this matchday magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the management and staff of Oldham RLFC (1997) Ltd.

We Would Like To Thank The Oldham Evening Chronicle For The Use Of Photography

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4 ... with Mike Ford

DEPENDING on the results over Christmas both ourselves and Widnes could be coming into today’s game unbeaten. Our visitors have made some high profile signings and are, rightly, favourites to win the competition. Hopefully we will take the field with ^W4 afull strength squad before abig and noisy crowd for what promises to be aterrific tussle. To date we feel our performances have been very professional and we ground out areally good result at Workington. Considering the signings Town have made, together with an excellent opening win over Rochdale we were very pleased % i to dent their aim of going all season unbeaten at % home. Agood few Cumbrians were well sick at the result Ican tell you! Our pack laid the foundations with adominating performance and newcomer Paul Norton was outstanding, displaying the work rate and toughness he had shown at Lynx and which had drawn our attention to him. At this stage of the season nothing much has taken shape, but it is pleasing to see Swinton and Sheffield getting some results to put themselves up with the favourites. It serves as awarning to us not to underestimate anyone and not to let our guard slip. Obviously we are disappointed to lose Shayne McMenemy to Halifax Blue Sox, but it was always possible aSuper League club would come in for him and he leaves with our blessing and our thanks for his contribution to the Oldham cause, which has been magnificent. Meanwhile we are pleased to welcome out latest signing Danny Arnold. Ihope you have enjoyed aMerry Christmas and wish you all avery Happy New Year. Mike

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Mon-Sat 10.30-5.30 4Lansdowne Road ■Chadderton ■Oldhani, 0L9 9EF 0161 633 0074 Tel. 0161 626 1141 ■Fax 0161 628 7078 Mobile 07974 127082 I'.licitJlijI' uUlcii ,.. from the pen of Michael Turner Drawn games in Rugby League have always major final against each other but Widnes are been arare occurrence and increasingly so amongst that notorious band of villains who since the try was re-valued from three to four have ended Oldham’s points in 1983. However, in 1985 the Wembley ambition at the last hurdle. This was Roughyeds and the “Chernies” (the invasion of the first time the Roughyeds reached the last the Vikings still being some years off) four during the Wembley era. The year was combined to produce two drawn matches 1934 and, although Widnes were afew places within the space of two months. Furthermore higher in the league table, Oldham had the score on both occasions was exactly the knocked the Chernies out of the Lancashire same, ten points each! Cup in the first round on their way to eventually The first match was on October 27th when winning the trophy against St Helens Rees at three Mick Parrish goals and atry from Gary Swinton. Station Road was again the venue Warnecke earned Oldham apoint at Naughton for the Challenge Cup semi final and the Park in front of acrowd of 5,046 spectators. anticipated close game came to pass with The return match was at on Widnes progressing to the twin towers by Boxing Day. The Australian Warnecke was seven points to four, there to beat Hunslet in again atry scorer for Oldham but this time the the final. goal kicking duties were left to David Hobbs The Oldham team that day, who obliged with the conversion and two March 24th 1934 was: penalties. The attendance was 6,811 at a Tommy Rees, Albert Taylor, Sam Bardsley, match which saw ayoung Leo Casey on the Jack Stephens, Les Lewis; Jack Reynolds, Oldham substitute’s bench. This was only his Alex Givvons; Jack Read, Jack Scaife, Abe second time on the Roughyed’s team sheet. Clayton, Trevor (W.T.) Thomas, Fred The two clubs have never contested a Ashworth, Bill Butterworth.

Vintage Oldham vWidnes action. Oldham forward Bob Sloman attracts the attention of several Widnes defenders during the match at Watersheddings on February 21st 1925. But where is the ball? Oldham won the match 16-2.

7 T H A T w a s t h e sub at Widnes two games earlier and both Neil year, that was. Roden and Phil Farrell were on the senior sheet for And the first year the first time. of the new All three were to make ahuge impact as the M i l l e n n i u m w a s a Roughyeds embarked on arun of seven good one for consecutive wins, followed by two defeats and O l d h a m R L C l u b then aspell of six wins and adraw in the eight as the games to the end of the normal league Roughyeds programme. recovered Despite a16-12 defeat in Yorkshire by the i m p r e s s i v e l y f r o m team of the season, Dewsbury, Ford’s men a disastrous finished sixth -an extremely creditable position in second season in 1999. the new coach's first season. On and off the field Oldham did enough in In the play-offs, they knocked out Hull K.R. at 2000 to make the rest of the Northern Ford Spotland and became the first team to win at Premiership sit up and take note, even though Doncaster all season when they squeezed through Mike Ford’s men fell at Leigh in the semi-final 24-17 after extra time. stage of the top-eight play-off. Dreams of aGrand Final appearance were The failure to make the Grand Final didn’t dashed at Leigh in the semi-final, but the stop Ford’s inclusion among three nominees for thousands of fans who travelled to Hilton Park the coach-of-the-year award in the NFP. were left to remember atreasure trove of magic Nor did it prevent Shayne McMenemy winning moments in what turned out to be atruly sizzling aplace in the mythical NFP team of the year. season. Both were present at asuperb awards dinner Events since have indicated clearly that the at , when Roughyed’s Chairman Roughyeds intend to build on the progress they Christopher Hamilton stepped up to receive, on made in 2000. behalf of his club, the prestigious Ciub-of-the-Year The signing of ahandful of new players has trophy. strengthened the squad, although the loss since of The year had started well with a23-18 win at Jason Roach and Shayne McMenemy -one to , Bury against aSwinton side that came union and the other to -have back strongly in the later stages to give Oldham provided sharp reminders that in modern times f a n s a f e w a n x i o u s m o m e n t s . there is often little permanency about aclub’s Inconsistency restricted the team’s progress playing register. in the early part of the season and it was so typical Ford’s backroom staff was extended with the of the Roughyeds in the infancy of Ford’s acquisition of Tony O’Brien as conditioner and John stewardship that they should produce an awful ‘Jacko’ Jackson as chief scout, while Lisa Sharratt performance at Rochdale in the fourth round of the (physiotherapist) and Dr Ian Wilkinson were Silk Cut Challenge Cup before pulling off an brought in to form anew medical team. inspirational 31-20 win at Widnes only amonth Sponsorship deals with John Willie Lees, later. Claims Network Ltd and ProSport got the new Another sound show against Dewsbury, albeit season off to aflying start on the commercial ending in a14-12 defeat at Boundary Park, was front. followed by the worst performance of the season - And the players responded with two excellent a61-26 hammering at Featherstone. wins at Barrow and Workington to set them up for Looking back, and with the knowledge of the a c r a c k a t d e r b y r i v a l s R o c h d a l e H o r n e t s o n significance of that bad, black day at the Lionheart Christmas Eve as the year 2000 ebbed towards its Stadium in terms of the shrill wake up call it close. delivered, it is interesting to recall the line-up. As we toast the New Year today, let’s spend a It was Sibson; Hayes, A. Gibbons, Rich, moment or two in recalling the Old Year. It was Barrow; D. Gibbons, Ford; Casey, Hough, Clegg, quite ayear for the Roughyeds, culminating in the Holland, McMenemy, Campbell. Subs: Guest, election of Chairman Chris Hamilton as Chairman Doran, Roden, P. Farrell. of the APC. Tom O’Riley and Tate Moseley had been and Congratulations Chris....and thanks for the gone, but McMenemy had made his debut as a m e m o r y O l d h a m .

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10 Alliance Action ... with Haydn Walker

FIRST of all aHappy New Year to all our A L L I A N C E T E A M F I X T U R E S supporters. Ihave been out of commission for a Dec number of weeks through illness and could not 6Keighley A 7.30 LI 6-36 attend our game away at Keighley. Mike Ford 16 Workington H 2.30 P and Mark Knight took charge for that game and 21 Rochdale H7.30 although the result was disappointing it did see Jan anumber of good individual performances. 3Hunslet A 7.30 Paul Norton and Daryl Lacey earned acall up 10 Leigh A 7.30 to the first team game at Workington, and 18 Widnes H7.30 anyone who attended the game in Cumbria will Feb know that both had top games. The message 3Whitehaven H 2.30 for the rest of the Alliance squad is clear - 15 Hunslet H7.30 perform and Mike will select you. 22 Batley H7.30 Looking at the Alliance squad this season March the average age is alot younger than last 17 Whitehaven A 2.30 season with several players graduating from 22 Featherstone H 7.30 the Academy team. Indeed James Wilkinson 29 Doncaster A 7.30 has become the first player to come through the Academy team and sign acontract. Ifeel April 4Batley A 7.30 sure James will be the first of many. 19 Doncaster H 7.30 Over the off season Mike, Mark and myself May have set up adevelopment squad for the 3Featherstone A7.30 outstanding fifteen and sixteen year olds in the 10 Keighley H 7.30 town. This will not only help establish good A 2.30 working relationships with the town’s amateur 19 Workington 24 Rochdale A 7.30 clubs and coaches, but also stop the talent H7.30 drain out of town. 31 Leigh June Ithink we can look forward to the coming 7Widnes A 7.30 year with agreat deal of optimism, as we are moving forward all the time. 13 Top Five Play Offs 14 First Division Grand Final All the best and enjoy the game.

James Wilkinson signs his contract in the presence of Chris Hamiiton and Mike Ford.

11 TTfc©KI[F[P

WEEK TWO of the new season produced two The following week went pretty much as major surprises. Firstly, Sheffield Eagles, came expected, although Batley gave Doncaster a out on top in abattle royal with Featherstone fright before the Dragons edged home 19-16 (15-12). Aheavy penalty count in Rovers favour thanks to two moments of magic by Paul (14-11) and several Eagles sin-binnings Mansson. brought severe criticism of the visitors rough- The other really tight game saw Swinton h o u s e t a c t i c s f r o m P e t e r R o e . A f t e r R o v e r s maintain a100% record at home to Barrow performance against Oldham at Spotland last (26-24), the Border Raiders staging asecond- season the words ‘pot’, ‘kettle’ and ‘black’ half comeback which fell just short. spring to mind. Perhaps the most surprising result was The other unexpected outcome was a Flunslet’s 14-0 defeat of Sheffield. The Swinton win at Whitehaven (8-4). The return to enthusiastic Flawks were well marshalled by action of veteran Phil Veivers was crucial for Rob Roberts and were full value for awin which the Lions and could prove an inspired signing in delighted both coach David Plange and the season to come. Chairman Grahame Liles. Iwas pleased to have forecast aKeighley Elsewhere there were wins as expected for victory against Dewsbury (32-6), though Dewsbury against Flull K.R. (32-10); Keighley at surprised by the margin, the Cougars have York (48-14); Leigh at Whitehaven (30-8); posted an early warning to the rest that they will Rochdale at home to Chorley (52-12); and be aforce to be reckoned with. My other bold Featherstone over Gateshead (68-6), with a forecast -aGateshead win at Batley -proved hattrick here for wingman Jamie Stokes. blindly fanciful, the Bulldogs having no trouble Meanwhile, Oldham maintained their in disposing of the Thunder by 24-4. Batley’s record of not having lost at Workington since big pack was too hot to handle for the N.F.P. the re-formation of the club, arun now newcomers with prop Chris McWilliam leading extending to five matches. the way. Since we went to print prior to the Although Iwas correct in thinking Widnes Christmas fixtures you might be able to laugh at would win at Rochdale, the Hornets put up a some of my predictions. TFIE big match was terrific fight in ahugely entertaining game Widnes vLeigh on Boxing Day, agame Iwould played under difficult conditions. The home side have expected the Centurions to have won scored three cracking tries by Danny Wood, (sorry if that offends our visitors here today). Danny Fearon and Marlon Miller to lead at half¬ Dewsbury will have beaten Batley, Doncaster time. However, asuper second-half show by will have beaten Sheffield, Keighley will have ex-Oldham halfback turned won at Gateshead and Barrow will have the tide for the visitors. overcome Chorley. The difficult ones were Elsewhere, Workington vWhitehaven (home win); York v D o n c a s t e r s e c u r e d a n Flunslet (home win); Hull K.R. vFeatherstone expected win (36-8) (away win); and Rochdale vOldham (away against Hunslet with win). So by now you will know how good (or new signings Brad Hepi dreadful) my forecasting is. and Paul Mansson in As far as yesterday and today are form for the Dragons. concerned, Dewsbury should account for So too Leigh against Hunslet at South Leeds Stadium; Keighley Barrow. The Centurions should beat Hull K.R, at Cougar Park; Leigh new stand-off Simon should overcome Swinton; Batley defeat York; Svabic scored atry, 3 and Whitehaven deny Chorley. The tough ones goals and adrop goal to predict are Sheffield vGateshead (probable

and had an outstanding Paul Masson home win); Featherstone vDoncaster (you tell game in a19-8 victory. me!!); Barrow vWorkington (home advantage Finally, close result of the day was Hull to count); and Oldham against Widnes (and K.R.’s 2-0 defeat of York, with the young Robins what sort of acolumnist would Ibe if Itipped especially pleased not to have conceded a against the Roughyeds?). single penalty. GC

12 In TownT o d a y V / W i D N E S V i k i n g s HAVING conceded aLeague double to Oldham He has previously appeared in Super League with last season (31-20 at home: 34-26 away) Widnes Salford and should help plug agap in will come to Boundary park today in search midfield play compared to last season. of revenge. Having set themselves atarget of C H R I S P E R C I V A L , t h e o t h e r c e n t r e , i s a promotion to Super League the Vikings will be Widnes lad stepping up from the Vikings’ Academy anxious to secure two points and to that end the and Alliance teams and at 20 years of age has a club has invested heavily in well known and great deal of promise. He is partnered by PHIL experienced players many of whom have aSuper COUSSONS aspeedy former Swinton and Salford League pedigree. wingman who will be expected to get his share of Some of the newcomers are tries. well known to Oldham followers. Up front the best known Viking is PHIL MARTIN CROMPTON is aformer CANTILLON the sometime Leeds (or was it captain of the ill-fated Bears. An Bramley?) hooker. One of the best exponents of Irish international, scrum-half r modern day number 9play around, Cantilion is Crompton was the major influence noted for his eye for an opening, lightning pace and in Widnes opening victories against 1 try-scoring ability. You can’t relax for amoment Whitehaven and Rochdale. He has with this fellow or he’ll punish you. The surprise is also played for , Warrington that he’s not in Super League, especially after a and Salford and has, happily, ^ record 31 tries last season. recovered from injury sustained Martin Crompton Two tough Cumbrians complete the front row. with the City Reds last season. has appeared with the Bulls and the At Rochdale it was noticeable Blue Sox and is one tough cookie. So too STEVEN t h a t a n o t h e r e x - O l d h a m e r J O E HOLGATE who has plied his trade with Wigan, Hull FAIMALO, was looking to run onto and Halifax. And in case David Hulme wants to Crompton passes out wide. The spell either of his workhorses he has two other big '1 New Zealand born second-rower props available to maintain the pressure in home had an impressive game at produced STEVE ARGENT, a22 year old coming rn Spotland and, having also featured to his peak, and newcomer STEWART RHODES 5 ^at Salford, has clearly developed a the ex-Border Raider who has given Oldham some Joe Faimalo sound understanding of his scrum- pain in the last few seasons. haif’s passing skills. Completing the Vikings formidable pack is Faimalo’s second-row partner could be the ex- former Saint and Bull TOMMY HODGKINSON, a Oldham and Rochdale Cumbrian CHRIS workaholic loose-forward who signed from McKinney, ahard-working, tough tackling player Lancashire Lynx in 1999. McKinney is an ideal complement to his Kiwi A s b a c k - u p W i d n e s h a v e sparring partner. a n o t h e r e x - Ly n x m a n i n l o n g Briefly with Oldham as ayoungster was striding second-row STEVE GEE dependable DAMIAN MUNRO. Formerly who can cause afew flutters in the with Halifax Blue Sox free-scoring Munro is in his best of defences. Australian third season at Widnes and has developed into a JASON DEMETRIOU also starred fast and powerful attacker and sound last line of f o r t h e L y n x b e f o r e H o r n e t s r defence. snapped him up. Aquality stand-off Star stand-off or loose-forward KARL Demetriou could team up with Ian Watson HAMMOND returns to Widnes via St. Helens and Welsh World Cup star and ex- . AGreat Britain international, 26 Swinton scrum-half IAN WATSON, acanny play- year old Hammond disapproves of the sterility and maker and outstanding goal-kicker. Is this a sameness of Super League and steps down to the second choice pairing behind Hammond and skilful arena of the N.F.P. What awise man! Crompton? And that’s without bringing youngsters Another newcomer this year is the widely LEE BIRDSEYE, PAUL GEORGE and JAMIE respected MARK FORSTER. Atwenty year WINROW into the equation. Talk about strength in professional with Warrington and aprolific try- depth. Either that or coaches DAVID HULME and scorer Forster brings his talents to anew audience JOHN FORAN have athing about halfbacks. at the age of 36, his enthusiasm, experience and Whatever, the two ex-Widnes players, now uncompromising style no doubt sending shivers coaches, are determined to give the N.F.P. their down the spine of many an N.F.P. flanker. best shot. Some people’s favourites for the title, the Centre partner SCOTT MARTIN hails from Vikings provide Oldham with amajor test today. It Leigh and arrives at the Autoquest from Rochdale. should be acracker.

13 ...with Brian Walker What they did know was that the Bears had W H A T ’ S I N A Y E A R ? finished their inaugural season of Super League in acreditable eighth position and that the forthcoming campaign in which the club would break new ground by jetting off to for the HHiS new World Club Championship was just five weeks away. In fact the match against Swinton to mark the closure of Watersheddings was to be Tender Catalogue played that very New Years Day afternoon with a By Direction ofThe Board of Directors O L D H A M R U G B Y L E A G U E F O O T B A L L C L U B P L C bumper crowd expectedi To Be Sold By The reality, though, was soon to unfold. It TENDER began in February with the hastily and shabbily arranged disposal by ‘auction’ of assets and THURSDAY27th FEBRUARY 1997 artefacts of the Watersheddings ground.The event All lots listed in this Tender document. Completed forms of Tender to be with The Auetioneers by close of business MONDAY 3rd MARCH 1997, was organised without any reverence to what had along with the stated deposit. gone before and was nothing short of adisgrace. .re Kid nbicct to tbt CoodliiaDt of Sale ire prtoted io Ihli iilc ciUlogiK aid iIm on display la The Uii parckued FOR IN niU &REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES Asad way to end the life of one of the most of deKrtptioB iU any] By the Tiise ADate Suied la thb Ti famous rugby grounds in the world and the JCB’s The AncUoaeere prvride NO WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE either eiprtiKd npUtd la the deKriptloa or rtft buycri to avail tbeaiKlvea ol lonakelnipectloa of any Lot moving in was an act of mercy. The Old Lady, prior to the aaie, and il the baycn i ahatwever they are adviied NOT TO BID. B U Y E R S P R E M I U M P L U S V A T though, had pointed the finger! TO BE ADDED TO ALL KNOCK-DOWN PRICES. In March the side was unceremoniously iberemoredlromcbeulei 31 whilft the aoctioa tale I iprojr kicked out of the Cup by the Bulls and in the run GENERAL AUCTIONS EVERY SATURDAY 10.00am up to the World Club Championship in June the TRADE AUCTIONS EVERY WEDNESDAY lO.OOam team managed to win only three of its thirteen Outside On-Sitegluctions Super League matches resulting in Goodway’s djndertaken departure and Lindner’s arrival. The debacle of the summer had to be losing Further Entries For All Auction Sales Invited to Paris in France. The club managed to win just Quick Cash payout After Sale Of Goods For Free Local Collection of Goods:- one of the remaining nine Super League matches to finish bottom of the League with Paris one place Tel: Oiei 338 8698 Fai; 0161 338 4183 above. By the time Oidham went to play Leeds in THAT TIME cf year has come around again when the preliminary round of the Premiership in early you will have already done the reflecting, decided September alarm bells were already ringing on the resolutions and by now, hopefully, be The relegated club was soon to face damming headlines ‘Bears place in League in looking forward with some level of confidence to the baiance’, ‘Bears players on bread line’, whatever the new year has in store. Idid my bit of reflecting and resolution making whilst lying in bed ’Oldham Bears up for sale’ and on Friday 3rd of Christmas Eve morning and, as, usual rugby October finally ‘Tears for Bears’ as the directors played apart. Having had difficulty shaking off the led by Jim Quinn placed the club into voluntary morning’s hangover giving up the drink was an liquidation. On the 27th of October the club was wound easy option and, listening to the rain pounding the window, so was drawing aline under the annoying up with the Statement Of Affairs estimating a habit of looking for an early decision match deficiency of £1,200,000 with Quinn quoted by one mornings on the ‘battle elements’ v‘ground staff. local paper as stating “Things would have been After all any rain and both Boundary Park and much different if we had moved into the new Spotland resemble the park boating lake. stadium in March as hoped!, moving on to point It was Spotland that caused my line of the finger of blame at local businessmen,the thought to drift back to the Law Cup victory of New media, players and supporters. Years Day 1998 and to that large Qldham On the 12th of November the new club was contingent many of whom would just ayear earlier born. By the end of the year the Law Cup had have perhaps reflected on the season past and been brought out of mothballs, subjected to a contemplated the new rugby year with confidence. rubdown, dressed in red, white and blue ribbon But how could they have contemplated with and on the 1st of January was presented to over anything approaching asemblance of accuracy 3000 spectators at Spotland. the sequence of events that would during the next It couldn’t ever happen again? Unhappily it twelve months turn their rugby world upside could at probably 70% of rugby league clubs. down? KEEP GOING WITH THE RESOLUTIONS.

14 m U>J.

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15 Cook(e)ingupastorm ^ OLDHAM’S performance at Workington a is to question the decisions of those in fortnight ago was as controlled and competent positions of power 3) Chris Caisley is as as you could ever wish to see. Given that Town entitled as anyone else to an opinion on the have made anumber of top class signings and direction the game is taking, and should take in look quite formidable on paper, the Roughyeds the future, and is equally entitled to have those ran the show from start to finish. The basis of views published 4) Mr Caisley, however, would the win was laid in the pack and Mike Ford’s need to make it plain, in view of his multi¬ use of his four prop forwards blunted the threat faceted role, when he is expressing apersonal of the big Cumbrian six. Meanwhile Paul view, when he is expressing the view of Norton posted notice, as he had in the South Bulls, and when, as Chairman of Sydney friendly, that he intends to be aforce to Super League Europe, he is expressing the be reckoned with. And with the pack on top the views of that organisation. Other than that increasingly confident there is little to be said, except that it is not N e i l R o d e n t o o k f u l l politic to ban newspapers from reporting your advantage, the scrum affairs. If only one voice is heard do not be half and his halfback surprised if you cannot get the public on your partner David Gibbons side. Remember the man with the pen has an dictating the play and infinite capacity for doing damage. setting up the attacks. Debutant wingman V ❖ Daryl Lacey played with great confidence THE N.F.R is avibrant, exciting and enthralling a n d h i s e x c i t i n g r u n competition. But it is not Super League. And f r o m h i s o w n d e a d b a l l because it is not Super League it is ignored by line late in the games the national press. Of course Ido not buy deserved atry, though every daily and Sunday newspaper, but the credit to Town fullback ones Ido see never cover N.F.P. matters. Ido Nei7 Roden Neil Frazer for nailing not know how to change this abysmal situation, him after a70 yard run. Most pleasing of all, but Ido know that it would be an enormous however, was the ability of the team to defend advantage to the game as awhole -not least its line. It was only aremarkable feat of from the point of view of attracting sponsorship juggling by Graeme Lewthwaite that enabled -if we could get the Press and the T.V. Town to notch atry, areal fluke if ever there companies to provide at least some coverage w a s o n e . of our competition. If you have any ideas Iam As today’s programme had to go to print sure Sir Rodney Walker would be pleased to before the Christmas holidays we can't say for hear from you I c e r t a i n w h e t h e r O l d h a m a n d W i d n e s e n t e r t h e arena today undefeated. But whether this is so or not you can be sure that today's encounter will be afull-blooded contest between two of OUR congratulations go to Chris Hamilton, the best teams in the competition. Here’s Oldham’s Chairman on his elevation to the hoping for agood crowd, agood atmosphere position of Chairman of the A.P.C. Iam sure and the right result. Chris will attempt to bring some sanity to the financial structure of the game at this level ❖❖❖ especially as it will not be long before the N.F.P. clubs have to stand on their own two feet THE dispute between Chairman financially. To maintain ahealthy competition Chris Caisley and League Express is we need competitive matches played between remarkable for its crass stupidity. It is not my clubs which are not in danger of suddenly place to arbitrate on the rights and wrongs of disappearing without trace. In view of the the situation, but as an outsider Iwould make difficulties faced by many in recent times, and the following points:- 1) Ihave never, as a by York Wasps currently, it will take all Chris’ regular reader of League Express, been aware persuasive skills to get things on an even keel. of an anti-Bulls bias 2) part of ajournalist’s job W e w i s h h i m s u c c e s s .

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DEALERS Q. Who has been an influence in your they are great. We have an excellent playing career? team spirit at Oldham but the fans can lift us to From being 9years old Ihave enjoyed another level when they get behind us and playing rugby, knowing my dad and my family m a k e l o a d s o f n o i s e . have always been there for me. As aboy I 0 played for Leigh Rangers, then moved to Golbourne till Iwas 16 years old from where I signed for Widnes. At that time Colin Whitfield w a s t h e c o a c h a t W i d n e s a n d f r o m h i m I l e a r n e d DGSU Cross ^about the professional game. Ifeel lucky that at Oldham we have acoach of the calibre of Mike Ford, someone very focussed and experienced. Q. Have you afavourite player? Ihave always admired Mai Meninga, a player whose presence on the park gives everyone abuzz and achallenge. Presently I really rate having played in the same game as him awhile ago. He is aclever player by any standards. But Imust say, having played against lestyn Harris in aquarter-final cup game, Ican tell you he is the toughest, smartest and canniest opponent Ihave come up against so far. Q. Have you any personal ambitions? Yes, Iwant to be on the Oldham side that gets into Super League and from there play for my country, so staying fit and healthy are another ambition, in order to achieve not a dream but agoal. Q. Spare time, do you have any? There isn’t alot of time to spare, with work, training and playing, but Istill enjoy agame of football or badminton, which Ilove, and, now and again, crashing out in front of the TV. Some time in the not too distant future, atrip to America is something Iwould like to undertake. Autograph Q. Do the supporters affect what is happening on the pitch? Definitely: the fans can really lift your spirits and that can help to get rid of tiredness. Ihave never experienced fans like the Oldham fans; ^9 = 9 19 f Of OLDHAM R.L.r.C. DATTB.R

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REPRODUCED below is acopy of Iva’s Christmas present list sent to Santa. For Chris Caisley Ayear’s free subscription to League Express. For Maurice Lindsay & Acap each for their club’s salaries (preferably non expanding). F o r B a r r o w B o r d e r R a i d e r s Atanker full of Cumbrian air to help them play away from home. F o r R o c h d a l e H o r n e t s Acontract with First Bus to help their players travel from O l d h a m a t l o w c o s t . For York Wasps Humble pie. For Anice legal book “How to apply for planning permission”. For Widnes Vikings Two dozen pension book holders for the senior citizens they’ve signed. For Abig map of the Pacific so they can find another island to recruit aplayer from. For Chorley Lynx Acrowd. F o r H u n s l e t H a w k s Acreche: somewhere for the team to play after trainingl For AWakefield Ato Zso they know where their players live. F o r W h i t e h a v e n Ajoint account with Cumbrian Crusaders Building Society. For Aski tow to get back up the slope. For The Peter Roe book of non-contact sports. For Hull K.R. Arevolving platform to turn the ground through 90° thus avoiding the prevailing wind. For Sheffield Eagles Asupply of binoculars to issue to the spectators so they can see the match. For Someone who knows how to draw up acontract to stop their best players leaving. For Acardboard cut out of Martin Wood: they’ll need it if he’s ever injured. F o r S w i n t o n L i o n s Aguided tour of , so they and Salford can see what they’re missing. For Doncaster Dragons Free tickets to W.W.F. bouts so they can see what areal ‘House of Pain’ looks like. For Hull F.C. Aprayer mat, so they can kneel and give thanks to the Angel of the North for saving them. For Huddersfield Giants Amotorway route map so they can find where Sheffield is. For John Connolly Adummy to replace the one he spat out recently. For Greg McCallum Aproperly formed scrum. For Oldham Roughyeds AGrand Final appearance. For Oldham Fans and Rugby League Fans everywhere avery happy healthy and prosperous New Year.

21 NFP Match Results

22 ... with Dave Roberts Jodie Whittle -Academy/Aluance Physio

What is your day job? /work at Whelley Hospital in the Intermediate Care Centre. And what is your job with the ciub? Iam Academy/Atiiance physio -it’s areal challenge working with young lads, but one thing I am looking forward to is the tour of Australia with the N.W.Counties under 16's next year. What do you disiike about your job? RAIN! -1 hate going onto the pitch in the rain. Who at the ciub annoys you? Nobody, but Iannoy Chris Hamilton because I’m always asking him for money and equipment. It really harasses him! What is your ibng term ambition? Obviousiy to enjoy my time at Oldham, but looking into the future Iwould like to have my own practice. How do you see ORLFC’s deveiopment? They have done really well, going from nothing to having 3teams and doing everyone proud by getting to the semis in the play offs. What is your least favourite ground and why? Hull KR. \Ne had to get changed in aschool and then cross through awet field -it was raining of course! B L A I N E Y ’ S B A K E R S

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23 A m a t e u r A l b u m WITH Don Yates

NEW YEAR’S DAY, atime for resolutions, During those halcyon days Ashworth was new beginnings or perhaps for hopes of twice on the winning team in aStandard achieving long sought after ambitions. Cup Final. He was amember of the Saddleworth team which defeated St. Mary’s 9-0 in the 1967 final and three years later he was back at Watersheddings with St. Anne’s. Langworthy Juniors provided the opposition in that final which ended in a6-6 draw, the first drawn final since 1935. Saints won the replay 16-10 with scrum-half Ashworth landing two goals. As Ashworth’s playing career reached its twilight, he became involved in coaching. He attended aseries of annual coaching courses at Lilleshall where he eventually graduated with agrade one qualification, the top qualification in those days. It was whilst on those courses that Jake developed firm friendships with several leading coaches of that era such as Graham Starkey, Albert Fearnley, Tommy Dawes, Laurie Gant, Paul Daley and . The first club which Jake coached was Shaw in 1980 and he has since coached Tameside Borough, Newhey, British Jake Ashworth Aerospace and Watersheddings Wanderers. For Jake Ashworth that long sought In 1984 Ashworth was invited to assist in the after ambition is to play competitive rugby coaching of the Oldham schoolboy team league during asixth decade. Jake, former which took on Hull at Wembley in the curtain player and player-coach in the 1950s, 60s, raiser to that memorable Widnes-Wigan 70s, 80s and 90s has yet to play in the 21st Challenge Cup Final. century but he keeps himself fit and is ready, Nowadays Jake has no active involve eager even, to turn out and complete a ment in the game but he can be seen each playing career which began way back in Saturday stood on the touchline of one or 1958 with Greenacres in the Continuation another of our local amateur clubs. Asked League (under-17). He also played for w h e t h e r h e m i s s e s t h e w e e k t o w e e k Strinesdale at under 17 level before moving involvement with club rugby, Ashworth said, up to the Intermediate League (under 19) ‘Yes, Ido miss it and Icertainly think that I with St. Anne’s. When that Saints team can help some club out in one capacity or folded he joined Saddleworth Rangers and another.’ stayed with them upto and into open age However, he still gets enjoyment competition which Jake thoroughly enjoyed. watching the game, chatting to old He also enjoyed his days back in Oldham teammates and swopping yarns in the bar with both St. Anne’s and Saddleworth afterwards. But he is itching to pull on apair Rangers, his time with St. Anne’s in the of boots for one last occasion, and fulfilling fledgling North West Counties League that ambition of playing competifive rugby leaving him with particularly fond memories. league during six decades.

24 Club Cami.

C L U B M E R C H A N D I S E It is with regret that the club has received the news from Perth,

All new stock has now arrlved:- Western Australia, of the death of former player ERIC WIGGETT. A Home &Away Replica Shirts local man from Austerlands, Eric Fleeces !Sweatshirts was asecond row or prop forward Baseball Caps who joined the club in 1949. The Flags and car Flags condolences of the club are Hats !wigs extended to all Eric’s relatives and Plus friends, both at home and abroad. England !Ireland !Scotland !Wales New Zealand ■Australia Shirts

AND lots of international STOCK From the Chairman, Directors, Staff &Piayers of Oldham RLFC Call 0161 627 2141 we wish everyone AVery Happy &Prosperous New Year.

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!■X-’ / t The New Oldham dance troupe, ‘The Roughyettes', who will be performing at every home fixture. Photo Courtesy of Karen Best, Oldham Advertiser.

25 WlNNARds WEb.SITE: COIVIIVIONSENSE.COIVI ... with Simon Winnard

WHILST the new Northern Ford Premiership claim to have put together adevelopment season for the Roughyeds has got off fo an strategy which would put many Super excellent start, you will once again see the League clubs to shame. Hardly difficult Ihear gutsy supporters of one club around fhe you say. but still this offers tangible evidence grounds this year. These truly devoted RL that the club has learnt from ifs previous fans will be appreciating the action with mistakes which culminated in the former club mixed emotions. ending its days as alowly tenant and feeder Gateshead supporters may have been club of the . coming to terms with the harsh reality of life Club director Cliff Spracklen sfates, ‘Part in fhe NFP. However whilst premiership clubs of our philosophy as apro club coming back plunder the thunder agroup of die hard fans is thaf we’ll be very supportive of all the in West Leeds have had to cope with an amateur clubs within our area. We had the even harder dose of Rugby League reality. support of all the local clubs, right down to The Rugby League community of Bramley is the situation where each of them would take still coming to terms with another season in ashare in our club. Our proposal also the RL wilderness. included that our academy side would be When the two clubs had their owned by the amateur clubs, thereby applications to join the NFP assessed last avoiding the tension that we sometimes find summer, the men from the North East finally between the pro and amateur clubs over had something to celebrate following their young players, and the side would effectively untimely exclusion from Super League. be arepresentative team for Wesf Leeds’. However, fhe Bramley faifhful were left Bramley now have until October 31st of disappointed, after having their request this year to re-submit their application to turned down because of reservations about have their full membership of the RFL certain aspects of their proposal particularly restored. According to RFL sources, there in ise concerning their intended home at are still various elements of fhe Bramley Parsley Celtic Football Club. application that need to be given more This setback has left the Villagers even thought before their case can be heard more determined to succeed and Bramley’s again. Not too long ago we could all too directors met with RFL officials recently to easily have found our beloved Oldham in a discuss the criteria for admission to the NFP similar no mans land. Itherefore urge our at the next time of asking. Whilsf surely Chairman not to lose sight of that when he frustrated at their continued exclusion from considers the Villagers’ case as part of his the current competition. Iunderstand that new role later in the year. they left Red Hall confident that their bid will On afinal note, Iwould like to wish be successful next time around. Shayne McMenemy all the very best of luck Despite failing to convince the RL with his move to Halifax. Shayne’s Council of the merits of their re-entry to the commitment to the Roughyed’s cause could professional game, the innovative plans never be brought into question, however he submitted by the Bramley consortium have h a s a l w a y s m a d e h i s S u p e r L e a g u e certainly generated more than apassing ambitions clear and now he will get his interest amongst the present NFP clubs. As chance with former coach Steve Linnane at well as putting together abusiness plan the Shay. which would allow them to prosper without Cheers News Limited funding, the Villagers also Simon

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Home of the Little Pickle &Spice Co. P l u m b e r s !Electricians Heating Engineering Tel/Fax 0161 627 2027 Security Systems email: [email protected] G o o d L u c k t o O l d h a m R L F C 176 Oldham Road, Springhead, Oldham OL4 5SJ throughout 2001 Tel 0161 624 1723 Fax 0161 624 3798

27 ALLEN MILLS HOWARD &CO. Chartered Certified Accountants &Registered Auditors

Supporting Business &OLDHAM R.L.F.C. i n O l d h a m & Ta m e s i d e

for all your accountancy, audit &taxation problems contact:

Hyde -Stephen Howard 0161 -366 6535 Ashton -John Mills 0161 -339 6140 Oldham -David Savidge 0161 -624 2550 -Peter Scholes0161 -681 5600

Library Chambers, 48 Union Street, Hyde, , SK14 IND Telephone 0161 366 6535 Fax 0161 367 8584 AMH AMH

Amega Lansaowne L a b e l s L t d Roofing Manufacturers of Computer Barcodes and High Quality Self Adhesive Labels SuDDlies Ltd.

Secondhand tiles and slates bought and sold Demolition work undertaken

Shaw Street All materials can be picked up and delivered O l d h a m O L l 3 R R

Lansdowne Road, Chadderton, Oldham 0L9 9EF Tel 0161 626 0896 and 627 4231 Tel 0161 785 0813 Night 0161 633 4252 F a x 0 1 6 1 6 2 4 6 5 0 7 Proprietor: Sean Whitehead a 1 p ■

O n T h i s D a y . . . Don Yates looks back to January \si yesteryear

ELSEWHERE in this publication is afeature O l d h a m a g a i n s t a W i d n e s t e a m w h i c h about Jake Ashworth, alocal amateur included seven players who were to win at personality who Is hoping to play the game Wembley fifteen months later, including those through six decades. This afternoon Oldham legendary half-backs Tommy Shannon and could field two players who have achieved an Tommy McCue. equally Impressive record, that of playing Thirty-two years earlier, on Thursday 1st professionally through three decades, today is January 1903, these two clubs met at asignificant date in the career of one of those Naughton Park and, once again, it was players, prop forward Leo Casey. Because it OLdham who won. Their 6-2 victory came was on this day fifteen years ago, Wednesday courtesy of tries from winger Tommy Cash and 1st January 1986, that Casey made his senior his centre partner Dicky Thomas. Full-back debut in the second-row of the Oldham team Tilly landed the Widnes goal,. which lost aFirst Division match at Leeds 22- It was on this day ...,, 6. At the end of last season Casey had played in 1912, Monday 1st in 121 matches for Oldham, 147 for January, that Great Featherstone Rovers, 44 for Swinfon, twenty Britain met Australia in t!' for and in two internationals the unlikely setting of for Ireland, atotal of 334 matches, during , the Aston 2r51." which time he has never taken abackward Villa soccer ground in step. Birmingham, The On the afternoon of Casey’s debut, r e s u l t , b y r e c e n t s t a n d a r d s , w a s l e s s Wednesday 1st January 1986, our other J a m e s L o m a s veteran player, coach Mike Ford, was scrum- unlikely. Australia ran in half in the Wigan team which lost 12-10 at nine tries in winning 33-8. There were three Warrington but assistant coach John Oldham players included in the British team Henderson enjoyed abetter day. He scored whilst acouple of the Kangaroos, centre Viv two tries for Leigh who defeated Blackpool Farnsworth and his brother, scrum-half Billy, Borough 34-8. The Widnes coach, David joined the Roughyeds at the conclusion of the Hulme, also enjoyed success that day. He was tour. Viv scored one of the Australian tries scrum-half in the Chernies team which won whilst Oldham centre Jimmy ‘Jumbo’ Lomas 30-16 at St. Helens. scored one for Britain and his teammate, full¬ r^ -Of course none of back Alf Wood, landed agoal. The other the players or coaching Roughyed in the British line-up was prop Bert staff in action today ‘Slosher’ Avery. were involved in the The record books tell us that winger O l d h a m - W i d n e s m a t c h J a m e s M i l l e r h o l d s t h e O l d h a m c l u b r e c o r d f o r w h i c h t o o k p l a c e a t tries in amatch with the seven touchdowns he W a t e r s h e d d i n g s 6 6 claimed against Barry in October 1908. years ago, on Tuesday Remarkably, the South Wales club were the 1st January 1935. The only opponents against whom Miller ever Roughyeds won 11 -0 scored. For on Friday 1st January 1909 Miller w i t h t r i e s f r o m h o o k e r scored two tries in the return match when Edgar Brooks, centre Barry visited Watersheddings and were Ceidriog Davies and beaten 46-0. He played only five first team winger Les Lewis whilst matches for the Roughyeds. all during that the other winger, Albert 1908-09 season, with those scores against Taylor, landed agoal. It Barry being the only occasions when he Edgar Brooks w a s a g r e a t w i n f o r troubled the scoreboard attendant.

29 Date Opponent Result Att DECEMBER F-A 3Barrow 28 -16 1,294 10 CHORLEY HP Associate 17 Workington 22 -61,295 24 Rochdale A DR IAN WILKINSON JANUARY

1WIDNES H 7

14 LEIGH H

21 Swinton A

28 Silk Cut Challenge Cup H FEBRUARY Associate 4WHITEHAVEN H 11 Silk Cut Challenge Cup WIDNES 18 GATESHEAD H

25 Silk Cut Challenge Cup S U P P O R T E R S C L U B MARCH

4HUNSLET H

11 Dewsbury A 18 SHEFFIELD H 25 Featherstone A

APRIL

1York A

8BATLEY H 13 ROCHDALE H L A N S D O W N E R O O F I N G 16 Widnes A 22 Batley A S U P P L I E S L T D 29 KEIGHLEY H

MAY

6BARROW H

13 Chorley A 20 WORKINGTON H

27 DONCASTER H

JUNE

3Gateshead A Man of the Match 10 SWINTON H G R E G ’ S D I S C O U N T 17 Whitehaven A 24 Keighley A FOODS JULY

1Hull KR A

Oldham RLFC fully support the let’s TACKLE RACISM IN RUGBY LEAGUE CAMPAIGN Important Notice AND WELCOMES ALL PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR ETHNIC OR RACIAL Boundary Park is fihed with an emergency alert system (Local FIigh Pitch, Two ORIGINS. Racism has no place in our game Tone Signal). If you should hear the signal please pay attention to the INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN.ATEST OF THEALERT SYSTEM WILL BE MADE PRIOR TO EACH GAME, A N D R A C I S T C H A N T S A R E T O T A L L Y twenty MINUTES PRIOR TO THE KICK-OFF TIME, FOLLOWED BY THE WORDS: UNACCEPTABLE. “ T h i s i s a t e s t o f t h e B o u n d a r y P a r k A l e r t S y s t e m ” Allow everyone to enjoy the game.

30 NEIL If you^re not satisfied with your GIBBISON hank^ convert -B.D.S., V.U. Mane y*C The Royal Bank Dental of Scotland

For more information on the range of Surgeon Business Services available from The Royal Bank of Scotland please contact 36 Oldham Road Paul Heath, Business Manager Uppermill on 0161 633 8460 Oldham OL3 6HY The Royal Bank of Scotland pic Registered Office: 36 St. Andrew Square, Tel 01457 872108 Edinburgh EH2 2VB Registered in ScotlandNo. 90312

Saddleworth Sports AND School Uniform Moorside Metal Products Supplier.s of Sports Equipment, Footwear and Clothing for all Major Sports Limited Specialist Suppliers of School Uniform at best Prices STEEL FABRICATORS Personal Service Guaranteed ENGINEERS Mail Order &Delivery Service Available Highfield Street Oldham, OL9 6DT Proprietors: Geoff &Marjorie Cooke 93 Chew Valley Road, Greenfield, Oldham, Lancashire. OL3 7JJ Telephone 0161 624 3303 Phone or Fax: 01457 872515 Telefax 0161 627 3101 2 4 H r A n s w e r p h o n e e.mail: marj.cook;[email protected] An ISO 9002 Approved Company e.mail: [email protected] Specialists in the oil, gas and water industries. Manufacturers E a s y P a r k i n g ■ Visa ■ Mastercard !Switch ■ Delta ■ Solo ■ Amex of all types of process plants

31 Increase your performance to an all time best

No matter what position you play, supplements can play akey role in your quest for increasing yourperformance, whether it is endurance, stamina, energy or increased power &strength. Everytime you train hard, you place your body under immense stress, break down precious muscle tissueand use up valuable energy and nutrient stores. If these vital nutrients are not replaced quickly, yourbody will become more susceptible to over training, burn-out, injuries, colds and flu, not forgetting general fatigue, loss of motivation and performance. Byreplacing these lost nutrients your body uses during intense training and supporting your body's recovery process, you can avoid many of the problems players take for granted, such as over training andinjuries. More importantly you can expect adramatic increase in performance, well being, health and reduced stress at home and work.

STRAWBERRY CHOCOLATE

MPROGilf?H '■i '.YeiONBBIBOiSifiaiZTBo Ultimate‘AH IR Ofio* Fomittla * >) I

C H A M P I O N S C H O I C E PROTEIN the CHOICE OF CHAMPION M I r lUUnMUHU aUMsai

>3 ''**«*9VIPEIS'SfJ.lS'N !RBfgy sovrts fw ^ HMBi «2SSiWrTACKi ■«arm»ew;rtea/Ou«*Tr:-: a

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HA MAXIMUSCLE l' Sports nutrition at its best Contact Maximuscle today for your FREE 96 page colour catalogue... ‘IOC allowed’ guarantee [iQ®©') Maximuscle Limited: All Maximuscle ‘IOC allowed’ 40 Caxton Way, Watford Business Park supplements are tested to ensure they Watford do not contain any banned substances. WD18 8JZ Using Maximuscle supplements correctly Tel: 01923 650600 Fax: 01923 229339 and as instructed, will not result in a Visit the best nutrition site on the web: positive reading. Proof can be provided for all athletes, coaches, etc... www.maximuscle.com HAYNESWOOD Engineering Sales Limited

Best Wishes to Oldham Roughyeds

UK Office: USA Office: St John’s Mill Hayneswood Engineering USA LLc, 113 StJohn Street, Lees, 1658Sequel Drive, Unite, Oldham 0L4 3DJ, England. Santa Cruz,California 95065 Phone: +44(0)161 620 5337 Phone: +1 831 462 2680 Fax: +44(0)161 627 4367 Fax: +1 831 462 3583 E-Mail: [email protected] 1-Mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.hayneswood.com

Contact Goodwin Best for aquality assured, professional Goodwin review of your commercial risk insurances. Exclusive facilities for local businesses incorporating Risk Management and BESTi Health &Safety Audits. Commercial Insurance Brokers o jBIIBAi Castle House,Schofield Street, Oldham,OL8 IQL O l d h a m C h a m b e r Tel: 0161 628 2200 Fax: 0161 628 7785

ALTOGETHER AGREAT I ATES§ .r:- >■ /» P L A C E T O O'*! I Altogether, agreat place to be A m. 18 Yorkshire Street Oldham i m Tel: 0161 620 7847 i

U 0 a 9 proudly associated with Oldham R.LF.C.

For information or aprospectus about our full and

part time courses starting this summer call us on THE OLDHAM Freephone 0800 269 480. COLLEGE

33 W h a t e v e r v e e r s p e n t

pretects

Pio^pott ond^upalhei O l d h a m - a

fip- leading player at the heart of * the North West

Take alook around the Oldham of the 21st century and you won't fail to be impressed with what's been achieved. There are now huge efforts taking place to ensure that the Borough remains in its rightful place Oldham Broadway Business Park at the hub of the North West region.

Two hundred million pounds and more has been invested in turning the town centre into amodern and vibrant place to shop and work. Money has also been spent regenerating and renewing areas like Westwood, Glodwick, Fitton Hill and Hathershaw, and building 23 new schools in just 20 years. An exciting new town centre Cultural Quarter is taking shape; new industry, new investment and more RingRoad (S &W) tourists are coming to the Borough and astate- Oldham, (M67) M60 of-the-art Business Management School is now A663 M'cr city centre M'cr4‘.Chester (M56) open. Chadderton Birmingham

Oldham is already at the heart of the motorway network and now also benefits from the new M60 orbital route. Metrolink is also coming to the town, and the brand new £3.4 million central bus station has opened this year. The M60 Motorway

There are many other reasons which make Oldham adesirable place to live, work and visit -its reputation for hard work, commitment and down to earth friendliness are just some of them. I, It.' Put them all together and they make Oldham aleading player at the heart of the North West.

Enquiries about projects being undertaken by the Council, or any *Qoa of its policies, to the Marketing and Communications Unit, PO Box 160, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham 0L1 1UG, r telephone 0161 911 4708, fax 0161 911 4936, [email protected] or visit our website at www.oldham.gov.uk

O L D H A M o n n n Town Centre Shopping Metropolitan Borough O £lf J 7A NORTHERN NORTHERN FORD FORD I 1/ AliT

< 5 sc I aa> PREMIERSHIP PREMIERSHIP M VA % Ka % J 1 S,

>. OLDHAM WIDNES VIKINGS Coach Mike FORD Coach David HULME/John FORAN

M a r k S I B S O N 111 Damian MUNRO Dean CROSS :2i Phii COUSSONS Anthony GIBBONS L3I C h r i s P E R C i VA L Pat RICH :4i Scott MARTiN Daryl LACEY [5| M a r k F O R S T E R David GIBBONS :6i Karie HAMMOND Neil RODEN Martin CROMPTON Andy PROCTOR LSI Simon KNOX John HOUGH :9i Phii CANTiLLON Leo CASEY LIOJ Stephen HOLGATE Phii FARRELL [111 C h r i s M c K i N N E Y Paui NORTON [1^ Joe FAIMALO Ian SINFIELD [131 Tommy HODGKINSON

Mike FORD [141 Mike HILL Jason CLEGG [isl Steward RHODES Danny GUEST [16 Jason DEMETRIOU C h r i s F A R R E L L Steve GEE

TODAY’S OFFICIALS

.!V-. GRAHAM ROBERTS REFEREE: