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A VJ ELLEN at Spotland, Rochdale Sun 2nd July 2000 /ACCIDENT^ /assistance Kick-off 3.00pm '\ 5 ' ' ' ' j' ■ . A S M A I N S P O N S O R S O F T H E U K ’ S //T H E R O U G H Y E D S // W E A R E O F F E R I N G SUPPORTERS... PREMIER

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TO CLAIM YOUR membership call ELLEN 0161 345 5544 rACCIDENT! ASSISTANCE With Christopher Hamilton TODAY we entertain Featherstone Rovers in our iast ‘normai ieague game of the season. This wiii be another big test as they are currentiy third in the tabie and, depending on today’s results, could finish second. Iam sure that both clubs are looking at this season as being asuccess regardless of what happens in the play-offs. But what of the play-offs? Anybody who saw the game last week against Dewsbury will know that the result could have gone either way and Iwould suggest that the league leaders were the more worried side. We know that if we play to our potential then we are capable of beating any team. The trouble with the top eight play-offs is that there are seven other teams all saying the same thing! The top eight idea has made the Northern Ford Premiership more exciting then ever this year and the play-off games will, no doubt, be afitting finale to agreat competition. In view of the above why do we have to continually make sweeping statements such as ‘NFP to start in October’ when these matters haven’t even been discussed by clubs. That was aheadline iread this week and yet at arugby league council meeting over two weeks ago Sir Rodney Walker strongly advised clubs to avoid this scenario as the RFL would be unlikely to allow the season to start and compete against the World Cup which is being held in October/November of this year. The most worrying thing about this is that clubs are looking to change things yet again. Ican understand this if changes are made on balanced judgements but Ihave no doubts whatsoever that people will not have thought out all the implications of bringing the season forward. Aclassic example of this is the fact that all NFP clubs want automatic promotion/relegation with Super League but are we really going to be taken seriously by the powers that be if we expect any relegated Super League side to play in Super League’s season until September and then start an NFP season the month after? GET REAL! Enjoy the game. C h r i s H a m i l t o n

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Oldham Rugby League Football Club (1997) Limited 64 Union Street, Oldham OLl IDJ Telephone: 0161 628 3677 Fax: 0161 627 5700 Club Shop: 0161 627 2141 CHAIRMAN Christopher Hamilton STATISTICS Eddie Barton DIRECTORS Christopher Hamiliton, Stewart Hardacre, PROGRAMME EDITOR Geoff Cooke Sean Whitehead JUNIOR ROUGHYEDS Debra Rafferty COMMERCIAL MANAGER Scott Claber CLUB HONOURS AJLaw Cup Winners 1998, 1999/2000 HEAD COACH Mike Ford Trans Pennine Cup Finalist 1998 ASSISTANT COACH John Henderson H A L L O F F A M E M E M B E R S ALLIANCE COACH Haydn Walker (SPONSORED BY J. W. LEES, BREWERS) ACADEMY COACH Mark Knight Joe Ferguson 1899-23, FIRST TEAM PHYSIOTHERAPIST Debbie ClOUgh Alan Davies 1950-62, Bernard Ganley 1950-61, TIMEKEEPER John Barrett John Etty 1954-59, Derek Turner 1955-59, CLUB DOCTOR Dr Phil Kershaw Bob Irving 1964-74, Martin Murphy 1966-82, CLUB DENTIST Neil Gibbison Andy Goodway 1979-85 &1993-94

The views expressed in this MATCHDAY magazine do not necessarily REaECT 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

CT) mi ___FOBDLFQCUa M i k e F o r d End of Season Player of the Year Awards &Alliance Stats

AFTER last week’s who take great pride in their performance and defeat at Dewsbury they want to prove their professionalism both we studied the video for themselves and for you, the fans, whose carefully and support is terrific and is really appreciated by concluded that we all of us. really should have won In welcoming the players, officials and the game. In the supporters of Featherstone Rovers today we second-half we felt we recognise that we will have another real test exerted all the on our hands, as their outstanding Coach, pressure and made all Peter Roe, has built aformidable side. Our t h e b r e a k s w i t h o u t defeat at the Lionheart Stadium was areal putting points on the shock to the system but we used that setback board. In fact we felt as aspringboard to achieve better results in t h a t D e w s b u r y n e v e r the second half of the season. Today’s game looked like scoring in will be really good preparation for the play-off this period and we are bitterly disappointed series: much better to meet tough opposition not to have come away with awin. at this stage because it represents areal To pinpoint our failings Ifelt we lacked contest for the games to come. We will be composure at key moments, we took too many taking it one game at atime, but this group of wrong options and we didn’t control the players are ambitious and we intend to go all football as well as we could have. We will be the way if we can. training all the harder to put right these failings As always, give us your superb backing. because we feel we are good enough to take on and beat anyone. Ihave agroup of players Mike

A L L I A N C E S C O R E B O A R D END OF SEASON PLAYER Top Tries O F T H E Y E A R A W A R D S ! 20 Chris Spurr (Featherstone); 19 Mike Briggs (Widnes), Simon Lewis (Wigan) &Alan We will holding our annual Player of the Year Reddicliffe (Widnes); 16 Phil Jones (Wigan); 15 awards at the Pennine Lounge, Mumps on David Hodgson (Wigan) &Shane Irabor Friday 7th July 2000. (Barrow); 13 Martin Aspinwall (Wigan), Gavin Dodd (Oldham), Jim Forshaw (Salford) Paul All the players including the Alliance and George (Widnes) &Andrew Nelson Academy players will be in attendance. (Whitehaven) Top Goals The Junior Roughyeds will be involved in the 80 Steve Stoddart (Whitehaven); 66 P. Jones; evening and they will also present their 58 Kevin Fitzpatrick (Oldham); 51 Simon Player of the Year Trophy. Verbickas (Widnes); 43 Paul Sykes (Bradford); 40 Liam Jones (Widnes) 39 Steve Kirkbride The finale of the evening will be the (Warrington); 35 Craig Fisher (Workington); 34 announcement of the OMC Ford Player of the Craig Wingfield (Leigh). Year and the ‘Elite’ Club Player of the Year. Alliance First Division Final Table There will be adisco and buffet on what PWDLFADPTS promises to be ahighly enjoyable evening as Widnes Vikings 2015 05766 332 434 3 0 we celebrate what has already been a Whitehaven W 2013 07554 438 116 26 Leigh Centurions 2011 18524 472 52 2 3 t r e m e n d o u s s e a s o n . Featherstone R 2011 09485 495 -10 22 Hunslet Hawks 2011 09422 485 -63 2 2 Tickets are priced at £5.00 for Adults, £3.75 for Elite members and £2.50 for Children. Batley Bulldogs 2010 1 9364 371 -7 2 1 Oldham 2010 0 10418 394 24 2 0 Rochdale Hornets 2010 0 10461 559 -98 2 0 P H O N E 0 1 6 1 6 2 8 3 6 7 7 Workington Town 20 7 0 13451 484 -33 1 4 f o r f u r t h e r d e t a i l s Keighley Cougars 20 7 0 13440 559-119 1 4 Barrow BRaiders 20 4 0 16389 685-296 8 Amega Lansaowne L a b e l s L t d Roofing

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IN THE days when Rugby League used to French standards and the only meaningful sign players from Rugby Unions It always top-class competition is not international used to annoy me when the words ‘defect’ football but State of Origin. In reality it is and defector’ were applied to such signings, time that we in this country started to take a s t h o u g h a D a v i d W a t k i n s o r a K e i t h Anglo-French competition seriously. The only Fielding could somehow be linked to real advantage that Rugby Union has over Burgess and MacLean when all they were R u g b y l e a g u e i s t h e q u a l i t y o f i t s doing was looking after their own interests international events. For evidence of what and attempting to earn aliving. happens when you remove those events you So now that only have to read Mike Rylance’s excellent t h e b o o t i s o n t h e book ‘The Forbidden Game’ which chronicles o t h e r f o o t w i t h the early years of Rugby league in France Apollo Perelini and and the rapid demise of Rugby Union in that Fereti Tuilagi (and country before the wartime collaborationist possibly Jason Vichy Government banned our game. Robinson) it would Surely it is possible to do more to foster be altogether Rugby League in France, if only at ARC level? b e t t e r i f R u g b y We made aserious error in not cultivating League writers Paris St. Germain as aSuper League side refrained from (though it should have been packed with using the same French not Australian players). We made a language. We in further error in not persisting with the Treize League can hardly Tournoi and we made yet another mistake c l a i m t o h a v e b e e n when we took French sides into the t h e v i c t i m s o f Challenge Cup but ONLY if they played in prejudice and England. Such short sightedness is Fereti Ttuilagi persecution for a bewildering. century and more if At the end of last season Iwent to at the first opportunity we are going to go in Widnes to see aNorthern Ford Premiership for the same immod-erate words and XIII take on Villeneuve, amatch the French behaviour.Not many years ago ‘a free Champions won. This alone suggests that gangway’ was the byword of the day and so French club rugby is not amillion miles away it should be. Let’s Just remember that from NFP standards. With agood few players gangways allow travel in two directions. having played in this country (there are even one or two playing in Australia now) it would Sean McRae’s one word description of be nice to think that France can have agood France (s**thouse) at the recent Oldham World Cup come the Autumn. Certainly Roughyeds dinner may have been vaguely players of the calibre of Freddie Banquet, amusing, and Don Yates’ description of his Fabien Devecchi, Yacine Dekkiche, Gael recent adventures in that country in our last Tallec, Jean-Marc Garcia, Laurent Lucchese, programme may point up the failings of Jerome Guisset, Sylvain Houles and others Rugby League in that country, but so long as now have the experience to pose a w e d e n i g r a t e o u r c o u s i n s a c r o s s t h e formidable threat. The trouble is that without Channel we undermine the viability of the financial resources and the durability international competition. It is not in our that full time professionalism can bring interest to go along with Mr McRae’s opinion France cannot hope to match the standards because the truth is that the general view in of the Australians. But, then, can Great Australia is that England is not that far off Britain either? CD 5r

O L D H A M c a n l o o k b a c k w i t h p r i d e o n t h e i r the Vikings party was ^ Northern Ford Premiership season that comes convinced they would be jh to an end with today’s game against back here in the play-off. 1] Featherstone Rovers and look ahead with They had not counted on a optimism to the top-eight play-off that starts Hull K.R. victory last next weekend. Sunday at the Autoquest To finish sixth out of 18 clubs in the NFP Stadium, which allowed the \ s is nothing short of aphenomenal achievement Humbersiders to leapfrog by aclub which isn’t three years old until Widnes into seventh piace and with an extra October. point. While Iaccept that 34 league games if the red, red robins beat Barrow on would probably have been too many, given that Humberside today, Widnes cannot catch them RFL bosses these days want to condense the and the Rovers will be here next Sunday. season to little more than six months - F o r t h e m a n y s c o r e s o f p e o p l e w h o whatever happened to those long, lovely continue to ask me how the play-off system seasons that stretched from mid-August to works, Iwill endeavour to explain. Are you mid-April or even longer? -it would have been sitting comfortably? It goes like this: interesting to know how things wouid have Week One: preliminary semi-finals, 1v4, 2v worked out over the 34. 3; elimination semi-finals, 5v8, 6v7. For instance, the Roughyeds six ‘missing’ Week Two: minor semi-finals, winners of 1v4 games were against Sheffield, Batley and Hull and 2V3get abye; loser of 1v4vwinner of K.R. at home and Hunslet, York and Keighley 5V8; loser of 2v3vwinner of 6v7. away. Week Three: major semi-finais, winners of 1v Now Idon’t pretend to know what formula 4 V w i n n e r o f l o s e r o f 2 v 3 v w i n n e r o f 6 v 7 , was used by the fixture planners, but it is w i n n e r s o f 2 v 3 v w i n n e r s o f l o s e r o f 1 v 4 v interesting to see that from the six teams w i n n e r o f 5 v 8 . Oldham played only once they took ten points Week Four: Grand Final at neutral venue, in f r o m a m a x i m u m 1 2 . this case Gigg Lane, Bury on Saturday July 29. Only Keighley, who won 24-14 at Boundary The beauty of this Aussie-type play-off Park on May 10, prevented a12 out of 12 system is that it keeps interest alive for aiot mark, thus encouraging the realistic of clubs until the very last day of the league assumption that Mike Ford’s men would have programme. done very nicely, thank-you, from afull Oldham will finish sixth no matter what programme in which they would have played happens against Rovers today, but Peter Roe’s Sheffield, Batley, Hull K.R., Hunslet, York and boys will be all out to win so they can lock Keighley both at home AND away. themselves into third place with the prospect Idon’t know how the ‘easy six’ system of atrip to Keighley in the preliminary semi¬ affected the five clubs which will finish above finals. Oldham in the final table, but it is fascinating The Roughyeds, on the other hand, have to see that four of the Roughyeds six are several reason for wanting to avenge the heavy currently placed in the bottom five. defeat they suffered at the Lionheart Stadium Excluding themselves, obviously, Oldham at the end of March. have played ten of the top 12 home an daway If they pull it off, Featherstone could drop and it looks as though they might be coming to fourth or even fifth. face to face with Hull K.R. at ‘home’ in the What atruly competitive season we have play-off’s elimination semi-finals next enjoyed in the much under-valued Northern weekend. Ford Premiership. Funny old game, isn’t it? When Widnes were beaten by the Roughyeds afortnight ago R o g e r H a l s t e a d

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From the Pen of Michael Turner RUGBY LEAGUE MILESTONES -Asummary of important Events 1980 -1990 THE EIGHTIES began where the seventies Kangaroos. Worse was to follow with had left off with the Hull clubs dominating another three test "whitewash” at the the domestic game. Indeed the 1980 hands of the Kiwis. Five Oldham players, a Challenge cup final was an all Humberside record for the club, made the trip; Des Foy, affair with Hull K.R. recording afamous Mick Worrall, Ray Ashton, Andy Goodway victory in the most famous Rugby League and Terry Flanagan. “derby” match of all time. In the same year The mid-eighties saw two classic the Fulham club was established in London Wembley finals. In 1984 Widnes defeated and still survives today as the London Wigan thanks to two wonder tries from Joe Broncos albeit with aflexible approach to Lydon. However, the following year it was certain rules from League HQ. t h e m e n f r o m C e n t r a l P a r k w h o t o o k t h e In 1982 the Australian tourists led by trophy when they beat Hull in amatch of Max Krilich, were the first team to go fast flowing, open Rugby League football. through an entire programme unbeaten The 1986 Kangaroos captained by giving them the nick name “Invincibles”. W a l l y L e w i s e m u l a t e d t h e i r h i s t o r i c This included three drubbings for Great predecessors of 1982 with another Britain in the test matches, the first of undefeated tour. They simply pulverised the which was played at Hull City’s Boothferry opposition at club and test level with a park ground, reflecting the level of interest game plan built on power and pace. The in that city. In 1983 the value of atry was English clubs looked on in awe and increased to four points and the “sin bin” admiration. Widnes with their big, scheme and “hand-over rule” were also aggressive, yet still skilful, pack of forwards implemented. In the same year and lightening fast backs, were the first Featherstone stunned the Rugby League club that warranted ajustifiable world with adramatic victory over Hull in the comparison. This combination brought them Challenge Cup Final. The 1984 tour realised the first division Championship in 1988 and the worst fears of the British game as the 1989, but they and everyone else would be young Lions under the surprise captaincy of eclipsed by Wigan who would totally Bradford Northerns Brian Noble, were once dominate the game for adecade from the again mercilessly savaged by the rampant mid eighties. In 1988 Great Britain, although losing the series, won atest match in Australia for the first time in eighteen years. Two Oldham players; Mike Ford and Hugh Waddell were selected for the tour. In the same year

r h Wigan won the first of astaggering eight -!^ consecutive Challenge Cup Finals. The “Riversiders had assembled asuperb ^ir 1? squad with the likes of Edwards, Hanley, Offiah, Lydon, Bell, Betts and Gregory

!M-t e n s u r i n g t h e r e w a s a s t e a d y s t r e a m o f Current Oldham Coach Mike Ford was selected for the silverware going to the Central Park trophy 1988 Great Britain tour along with Hugh Waddell room. CS) MlM ■ 7^ I

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ALL the round 26 matches went according to form fright before the Rams ensured victory 16-12 and with the only two potential surprises not with it secured the league leader’s trophy materialising. Although Widnes had the opportunity ( a p p a r e n t l y c a l l e d t h e M i n o r P r e m i e r s h i p ) f o r t h e to overturn Oldham, the Roughyeds pack was too second successive year. strong for the Vikings with Shayne McMenemy, Leigh dropped out of the top 4when losing Steve Molloy, Andy Proctor and Phil Farrell all in 29-18 at Doncaster. Five drop goals by the fine form. David and Anthony Gibbons took Dragons suggested the home side were advantage to spearhead a34-26 victory. determined to put points on the board every time Meanwhile, despite leading at half time, Flull K.R. they hit the visitors end, especially after trailing 6- collapsed in the second period at Whitehaven to 14 at half time. Wayne Parker and Peter Edwards go down 44-12. This was the Robins third defeat were the architects of the Dragon’s success. in Cumbria. Gary Purdham, David Seeds and David Keighley completed an expected win against Fatialofa were outstanding for the Warriors. Whitehaven, 50-12. Nathan Antonik and Martin Today’s visitors Featherstone accounted for Wood led the rout and only amonumental slip-up Batley even while playing up the slope in the will now stop the Cougars finishing second. second half. Jamie Stokes stood out at no. 6and In the battle for top 8places Barrow’s dismal full back Michael Rhodes raced in for two classy away form cost them dear, a30-2 defeat at touchdowns. Sheffield being their eleventh setback on their Leaders Dewsbury were surprisingly behind at travels. Player-coach Mark Aston came off the the break but rallied to demolish York 56-17. Barry bench to inspire the Eagles to afabulous win. Eaton led the way from scrum-half and finished At it happened aBarrow victory would not with atry and eight goals. Keighley, meanwhile, have mattered as Flull K.R. pulled off the shock of did not have things all their own way but, inspired the day when they beat Widnes at the Autoquest as usual by Martin Wood, were good enough to 16-14. The result moved the Robins up to seventh, defeat Sheffield 28-16. one place above the Vikings. Goalkicking proved Doncaster also got atough work out at vital as Widnes scored three tries to two, but Hunslet where David Plange and St. John Ellis former Viking Mark Hewitt landed four goals to one e x c h a n g e d a c c u s a t i o n s o v e r t h e i r t e a m s ’ f o r t h e R o b i n s . respective merits. Another regular stand out Craig In the other games aDarren Robinson hat- Weston, rose above the tittle-tattle to inspire the trick helped Rochdale to a33-20 scoreline against Dragons 24-10 victory. Batley. Meanwhile Swinton had ten different Leigh got abig shock when Maurice scorers in their win against York 50-12. And, Bamford’s Lancashire Lynx roared into a14-0 finally, Willie Swann established anew Hunslet lead. Dean Blankley and Jason Pekepo were well club try-scoring record when he crossed six tries in to the fore until hooker Mick Higham and centre the Hawks 66-6 victory over Lancashire Lynx. Paul Anderson decided enough was enough, As for today’s fixtures, Barrow will be ultra¬ rallying the Centurions to an eventual 50-14 win. keen to overcome Hull K.R., but are unlikely to Finally Dave Watson led Workington to a22-8 stop the Robins booking atrip to Oldham in the win against Rochdale. play-offs. Last week Dewsbury will be desperate to defeat Leigh Featherstone after losing at home earlier in the year. But the demolished Centurions will want to capitalise on any slip-ups Workington 58-6, b y F e a t h e r s t o n e o r D o n c a s t e r a s a t o p f o u r s p o t man of the match would be the prize. Jamie Rooney leading Keighley should dispose of Swinton at Cougar the way with two tries Park and Doncaster should overcome Whitehaven and five goals. a t B e l l e V u e . T h i s m e a n s t h a t O l d h a m v Oldham, meanwhile, Featherstone is intriguing. A61-26 defeat still n e v e r r e c o v e r e d f r o m rankles with the Roughyeds but the young Rovers aslow start which will be full of confidence and will want to hang on s a w D e w s b u r y R a m s to third place. Oldham, however, will want to exact t a k e a n e a r l y 1 0 - 0 revenge and set themselves up for aserious play¬ lead. Nevertheless off challenge. the Roughyeds, well With Widnes expected to win at Batley the led by Hough, David final league placing will pan out today in G i b b o n s a n d R o d e n , preparation for what is sure to be amagnificent Jamie Rooney gave the home side a play-off series. Be sure not to miss it! h Toy^n

....Featherstone Rovers LOSING several experienced players before the Behind this young and talented back line season started suggested that Featherstone might regular full back is MICHAEL RHODES. Originally an struggle in 1999-2000. Not abit of it. Despite Aussie Rules player Rhodes turned to League with blooding many young players the coaching team of Brisbane Norths before being brought to PETER ROE and IAN FAIRHURST have produced a Eeatherstone by the Independent Supporters winning combination which has had an outstanding Association. He is proving an excellent acquisition, season. Results have been built on asolid sound in both defence and attack. platform of home success with only Dewsbury In the forwards 19 year old prop STUART winning at the Lionheart Stadium. Away from home, DICKENS is making aname for himself and is a however. Rovers are less convincing, adraw at Hull former Academy international able to kick goals if K.R. followed by defeats at Barrow, Dewsbury, required. Eellow prop CRAIG BOOTH was bought Doncaster, Leigh and Rochdale. half-way through the season to provide experience. Hub of the team all season has been scrum- He returned to Eeatherstone from York, but has half JAMIE ROONEY, aprolific points scorer and top also seen service with Oldham and London quality play-maker who stepped up from last Broncos. MAEA DAVID, abig Samoan, also season’s Alliance team and has proved the find of operates in the engine room of the pack. He has the season. He has usually been partnered by played for lllawarra in Australia and for Hull and ANDY BASTOW aproduct of Stanningley A.R.L.F.C. Bramley in England. Recently RHYS JONES-ORRIS who came to Rovers via Wakefield Trinity Wildcats has also added his power to the front-row. and who, at 22, is maturing into afine all-round RICHARD footballer. C H A P M A N i s a t o p Recently wingman JAMIE STOKES has also q u a l i t y h o o k e r o r w o r n t h e n u m b e r 6 s h i r t a s P e t e r R o e h a s m a d e loose-forward. tactical changes. Stokes possesses exceptional Possessed of great pace and is aGreat Britain Academy international. ball-handling skills Centre or wing MATT BRAMALD was ever¬ C h a p m a n w a s l u r e d present in 1999 after signing from Dewsbury. He to Sheffield in Super has already proved aregular scorer and can often League before create chances out of nothing. returning to Fev. One Wingman IAN to watch out for THOMPSON today. o r i g i n a t e s f r o m An alternative at Hunslet but was h o o k e r i s A N D Y signed up by Wigan, HEPTINSTALL, yet only to be cut under a n o t h e r l o c a l l a d salary cap busting onto the regulations. Rovers, scene and able to knowing when they open the defence are on to agood unless kept on atight thing, were quick to rein. g e t h i s s i g n a t u r e . Richard Chapman In the back-row T h o m p s o n i s o f t e n try-scoring skipper partnered by MARTIN DANNY EVANS has been in fine form. He has L A W, a n o t h e r f o r m e r followed his father and grandfather into Rovers .^Wakefield player and colours and is sure to present athreat today. So, once the Wildcats too, his partner NEIL LOWE, apowerful young ‘Man of Steel' talent capable of running amok if given half a because of his tough chance. Has represented Scotland. Ian Thompson tackling. At loose-forward MATT LAMBERT is in his Also in contention is JAMIE COVENTRY, quick second spell at the Lionheart having also played at and elusive and with experience of Super League Hunslet and York. at Castleford and Huddersfield. CHRIS SPURR is a And others likely to appear include STEVE local lad coming through the ranks of Academy and DOOLER, ayoung loose-fonA/ard bearing afamous Alliance but, unlike father Bob, Chris is aback Featherstone name; Wakefield born prop MICKY rather than ahooker. RICHARD GIBSON, CLARKSON; Jinking half-back PADDY HANDLEY; and meanwhile, is also alocal junior able to fill either ex Huddersfield wingman TIM SLATTER, another h a l f b a c k r o l e . local lad following in his father's footsteps. With Brian Walker

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S' i '1 "‘Iti- lit m m 'im WHEN Mr Lowry painted his now famous matchstick supporters in his work ‘Going To The Match’ he had in mind the fans of Bolton Wanderers and their then back street stadium but it was as if, almost before the paint was dry, demands were beginning to be made of all organised supporter sports, football and rugby league in particular. Never in his wildest dreams could Laurence Stephen Lowry have envisaged those ultimate changes; back street location to motorway venue, clogs to trainers, Burnden to Reebok...

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When H.Seale painted this Watersheddings scene more than just amoment was captured. The storm clouds had already gathered and the ‘old lady’ looked more than alittle tired, as though ‘with ahuff and apuff the wind could blow the old ground down—’ Once or twice it did and when the elements failed the council finished the Job off. The difference of course is that in Bolton’s case the expectancy of their supporters has been realised and in the case of Oldham rugby fans, and with the track record of Oldham Council, for them it could still be years off. If only we could realise our dreams with apaint brush! # #

Playa de las Americas !Tenerife To p C a b a r e t A c t s ❖ L i v e S k y S p o r t s ❖ English Horse Racing ❖

Phyllis Kershaw &her son Billy of the Tenerife Supporters Club wish Oldham RLFC all the best for the coming season and along and successful future.

PirkQub Europe Parque If you choose Tenerife for your Santiago III HARLEQUINS Cabaret holidays, call in at the Harlequins Btitisli Bar Mediterranean f o r a r e a l O l d h a m w e l c o m e . S e e i photos of the all-time greats, Royal OPEN TILL UTE ^^ardeHBAaiEQUiNS Seven days aweek Bryn Day, Alan Davies, Bernard ^'ConpoatelijBar Cakarti S7954 60 Ganley, Derek Turner, Martin Local 2B-Tenerife Royal Garden O PLAYA DE LAS AMERICAS -TENERIFE Murphy, Terry Flanagan and Co.

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—1 e v e R o b e r t s w i t h

What agame against Dewsbury. finish off the League programme We should have won it; we with 2points. knew we would go close, in fact we felt as if we could win it. I F e a t h e r s t o n e ’ s d a n g e r m e n are? hope we get them in the play¬ o f f s a n d w e s h o w t h e m h o w Jamie Rooney and Richard good we are. Chapman caused most of the damage at Post Office Road, but And the support was great. we are confident of getting a j It was absolutely brilliant, I result. said to Kevin MannIon when we were walking out that there were Fordy has done agreat job. m o r e O l d h a m f a n s t h a n t h e r e Neil Kelly at Dewsbury has were Dewsbury, and to think been given ateam but Mike has worked hard to build this side. they were there to see them lift the trophy. The fans have been We all have alaugh and great all season, and the sometimes at his expense but Dewsbury game was an example every member of the squad has of the support we have had all agreat deal of respect for him.

season. E m b a r r a s s a t e a m m a t e .

Another tough game today. Itravel to training with Neil Roden and Chris Holland who We owe Featherstone one. can confirm that Kevin Since they beat us we have got MannIon's feet would make a stronger and better. Today we fly sick. hope to give them what for and D A V E R O B E R T S

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AT SOME time or other during the 105 years that rugby ieague has been played, amateur clubs have represented every district of this town. Roundthorn and Darker were in existence for many years without dominating local competition, whilst the high point for Greenacres was their Standard Cup victory in 1936 when they beat Higginshaw 9-5. Fitton Hill, who introduced Johnny Blair and Geoff Munro to the sport, won the Standard Cup in 1985 with a9-8 victory over Shaw whilst over thirty years earlier, in 1954, Lowermoor lifted the trophy when they beat Milnrow 23-15. Utility back Johnny Noon was Lowermoor’s most famous product. Great Britain tourist Terry Fogerty played his early rugby with Strinesdale whilst dashing centre Joe Collins, now aregular follower of the Roughyeds, won many amatch for St. Pats before taking the professional ticket. Factory teams also played their part in the history of local amateur rugby. Textile machinery giants Platts won the Standard Cup in 1946 with a16-7 victory over Waterhead whilst Ferranti won that prestigious competition twice, the last time in 1938 when they defeated Saddleworth Rangers 11-9. British Aerospace, who played at their fine sporting complex at Broadway, Failsworth were one of the first local clubs, alongside Saddleworth, to play Conference League rugby although their stay at that level was short lived and less than successful. Geoff Munro Earlier this year two of our local clubs qualified for atilt at professional opposition in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup. However, in the late 19th century it was not unusual to see as many as five local clubs contesting the first round of the Northern Union Challenge Cup. In 1897, for instance, Lees visited St. Helens where they were beaten 58-0, Waterhead Hornets lost 63-3 at Rochdale and Oldham Juniors suffered adisappointing defeat 26-8 away at Eastmoor. Werneth drew abye and then gave up ground advantage before losing 30-0 at Salford but Crompton managed to reach round three. Abye followed by a26-0 home win over Bradford Church Hill saw them travelling over to Halifax where their cup dreams evaporated 50-0. The following year three of our local teams reached round two. In round one Abbeyhills drew abye and there were two local derbies. Werneth beat O l d h a m J u n i o r s 1 4 - 0 a n d L e e s w o n 9 - 0 a t ALLIANCE FIRST DIVISION FIXTURES 2000 Mossley. All three bit the dust in round two, Lees JANUARY AW18-16 65-2 at Salford, Werneth 16-4 at Barton and 8th Whitehaven Warriors 15th BARROW B.R. HW42-2 Abbeyhills 59-0 at Leigh after giving up ground 22nd Workington Town AL26-4 advantage. 27th Rochdale Hornets AL16-4 The biggest contribution which local clubs FEBRUARY have given to our game, however, is in producing 3 r d F E A T H E R S T O N E R O V E R S H W 3 4 - 6 star players for the professional game. St. Marys 26th Batley Bulldogs A W 1 8 - 1 1 gave us centre Billy Mitchell, atremendous MARCH professional, and Terry O'Grady who went on to 8th Widnes Vikings AL 40-6 gain Great Britain recognition. Herman Hilton, a 14th KEIGHLEY COUGARS HW34-12 test forward of the 1920s, was signed from 23rd ROCHDALE HORNETS HW43-18 Healey Street Adults whilst another international of 30th Featherstone Rovers AL 32-6 that era. Rod Marlor, was signed from Salem APRIL Rangers. Hooker Edgar Brooks, who went on to 5th Hunslet Hawks AL10-24 13th BATLEY BULLDOGS H P play 293 times for Oldham, was signed from 20th LEIGH CENTURIONS HL14-36 Watersheddings whilst half back Joe Lawton, who 27th HUNSLET HAWKS HW26-8 skippered Lancashire was signed from Highmoor. MAY Two other outstanding utility backs, Arthur Lees 3rd Keighley Cougars AW38-14 and Sam Lees, were not related but both were 20th Barrow B. R. AW23-18 signed from Leesfield Trinity. 27th WORKINGTON TOWN HW36-4 There have been many more and with the 31st Leigh Centurions AL10-32 current strength of the amateur game, it looks as JUNE HL14-22 if the conveyor belt of local talent will continue well 10th WHITEHAVEN W. 1 5 t h W I D N E S V I K I N G S HL24-37 into the 21st century. JULY 1st T O P F I V E P L A Y O F F Don Yates 22nd GRAND FINAL PLAY OFF FINAL

(3ff) OLDHAM RLFC INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION ART in sport is quite rare and art in our own sport, rugby league, is rare indeed but, once in a while comes along something special! OLDHAM’S own artist ANDY PEMBERTON, commissioned with adifficult brief, has produced one of the most spectacular of rugby watercolours. This superb painting has been commissioned by way of aTRIPLE celebration. To mark both the Millennium and the 125th Anniversary of the formation of the old Oldham club, and perhaps most important, to celebrate the achievements of Oldham Rugby Club, who, over those 125 years has not just produced many, many representative players, but has attracted famous players from each corner of the rugby playing world. But this painting is more, much morel Aspectacular image of the gathering of 43 Oldham players from many eras, from many countries, captains of Australia, New Zealand, Wales, England and Great Britain captured together in one frozen moment in time.

OLDHAM RLFC INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION’ IS ASTRICTLY LIMITED EDITION PAINTING OF 100 COPIES EACH PERSONALLY SIGNED AND NUMBERED BY THE ARTIST. T H E PA I N T I N G I S P R E S E N T E D 6 0 c m x 4 2 c m ( A P P R O X 2 4 ” x 1 7 ” ) IN AQUALITY HAND MADE FRAME WITH ACHOICE OF GILT OR DARK OAK FINISH. T E L E P H O N E T H E C L U B - 0 1 6 1 6 2 8 3 6 7 7 , MICHAEL TURNER -0161 620 6005 OR BRIAN WALKER -01457 875084 DON'T DELAY THIS IS STRICTLY ALIMITED EDITION OF 100!

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-Now available for viewing ^ and purchase from The Club Shop web.site. cbmmonsense.com With Simon Winnard

WELL, as we witness today's final league at the very top level of his game, Ifeel the encounter, it is only right to pay tribute to overwhelming urge to err on the side of the achievements of the Roughyeds this caution. It’s all too easy to get caught up in season. Under the guidance of Mike Ford, the euphoria of asuccessful run, Oldham have finished an excellent sixth particularly in aseason which has place in an extremely competitive Northern replenished my appetite for the game of Ford Premiership. Rugby League and this is where Ihave real Building on his coaching baptism at reservations about promotion to Super Bramley, Fordy has achieved his pre-season League. goal of aplay-off spot in his first season as There is alot to be said in favour of coach of his hometown club. The sceptic in playing competitive games week in, week me thought that aplay-off spot was just a out. The play-offs beckon for both today’s little too ambitious at the start of the teams and in truth both Oldham and season, particularly after last season’s Featherstone are capable of going all the disaster. Flowever, Icouldn’t have been way. It all points to amagnificent climax to a more wrong. If there’s one thing that the real value for money competition. Flowever, Roughyeds have in abundance its ambition. what would any of the promoted teams face Add the talent that’s there and alittle more should they actually secure that elusive self belief and who knows what could Super League spot? Karl Flarrison has happen? already publicly stated that his Keighley The rebuilding of the squad this season Cougars side would not apply for SL status. has been carefully and sensibly planned, As regular readers of this column will testify, despite arushed pre-season. When called I a m a fi r m b e l i e v e r i n f r e e fl o w i n g upon, the board have backed the judgement promotion and relegation through all levels of their coach and made key signings..even of RL, and of course Ialso want Oldham to out of their own pocket !The result has reach the very pinnacle of the game. seen the playing standard of the squad Flowever, what Idon’t want to see is the improve beyond recognition and full credit Roughyeds on the end of a96 -16 drubbing must be given to all involved. at the hands of Bradford Bulls next season. That ambition has been demonstrated On paper, Oldham have nothing to play by the recent end of season transfer activity. for this afternoon. With sixth place already Iwas disappointed to hear that Fordy had assured, one could be forgiven for assuming narrowly failed to persuade the inspirational that the lads will take it alittle easier today Kiwi Aaron Lester to come to the with one eye firmly fixed on the play-offs. club.Flowever, the successful loan signing of Flowever, there is more than alittle pride at England Prop Steve Molloy, to all intents and stake here for the Roughyeds following their purposes an Oldhamer, clearly shows the 61 -26 mauling at Post Office Road back in Roughyeds immediate intent. March. Rovers didn’t realise it of course but Indeed, during arecent radio interview, this defeat proved the season’s Mike Ford clearly stated that the club was motivational turning point for Oldham and gearing itself up for afinal push for Super signalled the real start of their push for the League, confirming that the club would apply play-offs. With neither side displaying to Super League as soon as was possible. I ruthless defence in the first encounter, be admire Mike’s ambition. Flowever, whilst It sure to expect amuch tougher and more is surely every sportsman’s goal to compete explosive encounter today. Contact Goodwin Best for aquality assured, professional C'i oodwin review of your commercial risk insurances. Exclusive facilities for local businesses incorporating Risk Management and

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Club Offices/Shop Tues-Fri 9am to 8pm, and on Saturday from the Club Shop between 9am and 5pm. If you require further details please phone 0161 628 3677 ROUGHYEDS REVIEW OF THE 1999/2000 NFP SEASON Once our season has finished (hopefully at Bury C L U B C A L L on 29th July 2000!) We will be selling aspecial Awarm welcome to all supporters to this video with all the tries from our games this afternoon’s game between two teams who will be season (including the play-offs) and featuring an challenging for honours in the NFP play-offs. interview with Mike Ford. The price will be £14.99 and 1am sure that it will be amust for all Although we lost at Dewsbury last weekend what atremendous game! The support you showed the Roughyed fans. To place an order phone Paul on t e a m l a s t w e e k w a s f a n t a s t i c a n d i t w a s d i f fi c u l t 0161 623 3677 to know who had won and who had lost with the CHECKMATE MINI COACHES ovation our lads got at the final whistle. A p e r s o n a l t h a n k y o u t o M r S a m Ta n d y o f NORTHERN FORD PREMIERSHIP PLAY-OFFS!! Checkmate Mini Coaches of Mossley for the help and assistance he has shown the club. Sam has We will be playing either Flull K.R. or Widnes Vikings in the play-offs next weekend. Full details kindly offered to provide transport for our will be announced on Monday regarding the sponsors to get to Spotland and back. It provides match. If the game is made ALL TICKET everybody at the club with great encouragement arrangements will be as follows: when companies are willing to help us in our hour o f n e e d . T h a n k s S a m ! The game will be all pay (for season ticket holders also). Tickets will be available from the Enjoy the game. Scot

‘Elite’ Club Abig Thank You to all supporters who have joined our new membership scheme the ‘Elite’. The ‘Elite’ is the only OFFICIAL Supporters Club. There is no deadline for joining the ‘Elite’and membership costs £15. There are numerous benefits to be had ... not least the fact that YOU are helping YOUR Club. For further details please contact: 0161 628 3677

Mascot for the first play-off J u n i o r R o u g h y e d s g a m e i s C H R I S T O P H E R sponsored by BOLTON who is 5years old and h i s f a v o u r i t e p l a y e r i s M i k e Reddish Ford. Enjoy your day.

Demolition WHAT ANIGHT On Friday 16th June at Limited Castleton Gabriels the Junior HI to all the Junior Roughyeds. Roughyeds enjoyed agreat Mascot M a y w e s e n d o u t a w a r m O l d h a m w e l c o m e t o meeting. The sun shone and we Christopher Bolton the Juniors, supporters and officials of Featherstone enjoyed agreat B.B.Q. with the Rovers for the final game of the players. Daryl Rogers played season. some games with the children while the players The mascot for today’s trained. Many thanks must go to Helen Casey for m a t c h i s 8 y e a r o l d T H O M A S A> standing in as Chef for the evening. She did agreat BOLTON. Thomas plays for I job. Saddleworth Rangers Under 8s. It was great to see the Academy team, the He attends Knowsley Junior Alliance team and the first team all training together. School, Springhead and his The Junior Roughyeds player of the season will f a v o u r i t e p l a y e r i s Z i g g y. be announced at the presentation evening on Friday T h o m a s h a s j u s t b e e n 7th July at the Pennine Lounge, Mumps Bridge, nominated Most Improved Oldham. Player of the Season for Today's Mascot Debra Rafferty Saddleworth Under 8s. T h o m a s B o l t o n NEIL Saddleworth Sports AND School Uniform

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A R E P L E A S E D T O B E P A R T O F T H E T E A M A Q U A I . I T V S E R V I C E dD "WOW 5

On this Day after six minutes of that match but, in so doing, D o n Ya t e s l o o k s b a c k t o J u l y 2 n d y e s t e r y e a r he tore ahamstring which ended his participation in that particular game. To make THIS afternoon Oldham wind up their matters worse, the try was disallowed and, Millennium ‘regular’ season with amatch although Castleford held Bradford for 70 against Featherstone Rovers but both clubs will minutes when the scores were level at 20-all, be hoping that their campaign will still have the Bulls went on to win 34-20. another month to run. It was on this day in 1946, Thursday 2nd It is abig match for both sets of players July, that Great Britain registered arunaway and especially for Roughyeds’ prop Steve victory over Mackay who conceded 20 tries as Moiloy who will be turning out against one of the Lions ran riot to win 94-0. Included in the his former clubs. Twelve months ago, on Friday British pack that evening was Oldham second- 2nd July 1999, Moiloy was in outstanding form row forward Doug Phillips but the star of the for Sheffield Eagles despite the fact that the show was Barrow winger Jim Lewthwaite who Eagles suffered a40-16 defeat against another touched down for seven tries. Another of his former clubs, the Leeds Rhinos. outstanding British winger, Wigan’s Johnny Three years ago, on Wednesday 2nd July Ring, enjoyed asuccessful evening 22 years 1997, two of the Oldham stars of this season earlier, on Wednesday 2nd July 1924. That experienced adisappointing evening with their night the British Lions defeated North Coast 28-19 at Lismore. In so doing they crossed for six tries, five being registered to Ring who touched down for 23 tries on that tour from only 15 appearances. Oldham prop Albert Brough was amember of the British pack for that match at Lismore. In 1983 Maori full-back Nick Wright had aless than successful spell with Oldham, much of which was spent sat on the sidelines suspended. However, 1978 was much more successful for Wright who was included in the New Zealand team which toured Australia. On Saturday 2nd July the Kiwis played Toowoomba on arain sodden afternoon which reduced the gate to amere 2,000. The Kiwis won 18-13 with Wright, playing out of position on the wing, touching down for atry and also landing acouple of conversions. On Saturday 2nd July 1955, aremarkable test match took place at the Gabba Cricket Ground, Brisbane where Australia met France. The Kangaroos looked set for victory when they led 28-16 deep into the second-half. Then, in an amazing spell, France scored 13 points as they went on to win 29-28. Joey Hayes Five years later, on Saturday 2nd July 1960, the Kangaroos made no mistake at the former clubs. Winger Joey Hayes was substitute Brisbane Exhibition Ground when they scored for St. Helens who were beaten 14-12 at 12 tries in defeating France 56-6. Despite that Sheffield despite leading 8-2 at the interval. overwhelming victory, and the fact that Coach Mike Ford's evening was even worse. He Australia scored 69 points against their was scrum half in the Castleford side which opponents 21 in the three tests, the series, began so well against Bradford at Odsal. Ford remarkably, ended all square with one test touched down for what looked an excellent try victory to each nation and the other test drawn. dD Date Opponent Result Att

DECEMBER F-A 12 ROCHDALE H(LAW CUP) W30-18 1,204 27 ROCHDALE HORNETS W23-20 3,562 Assaciate Match JANUARY PAUL ABBOTT (HYUNDAI MAIN DEALER) LTD 2Swinton Lions W23-18 2,567 SpringheadGarages, Oldham Road, Oldham. 0L4 5SN 0WHITEHAVEN W W26-22 2,446 0161 628 4000 16 Barrow B.R. L19-16 1,618 23 WORKINGTONT W30-17 2,222 FEBRUARY Assaciate Match 6 DoncasterDragons L16-26 2,130 JAMES BRIGGS (SPORTS THERAPIST) 8 Wigan St.J (SCCC R3) W 44-0 1,376 26 Eaves Lane, Chadderton, Oldham 13 Rochdale H(SCCC R4) L 14-30 2,168 0161 678 8859 20 LeighCenturions L10-28 2,410 MARCH

5 LANCASHIRELYNX W50-8 1,522 Assaciate Match 12 WidnesVikings W20-31 3,300 SUDDEN SOLUTIONS 19 DEWSBURYRAMS L12-14 2,115 DTE House, Hollins Mount, Bury. BL9 BAT 26 FeatherstoneRovers L26-61 2,071 0161 7671200 APRIL

2Sheffield Eagles W28-6 1,220 9HUNSLET HAWKS W44-18 1544 Assaciate Match

16 Bafley Bulldogs W28-16 805 MR RAY BROADBENT 21 RochdaleHornets W13-12 2288 Royton, Oldham. 24 SWINTONLIONS W34-28 1908 MAY Man af the Match 1 YORKWASPS W40-18 1852

7HullKingston Rovers W32-12 2005 GOODWIN BEST (INSURANCE BROKERS) 10 KEIGHLEYCOUGARS L14-24 2528 Castle House, Schofield Street, Oldham. 0L810L

14 WhitehavenWarriors L18-26 808 0161 628 2200

21 BARROWB.R. W30-16 1604 26 WorkingtonTown D12-12 595 Matchbaii 29 DONCASTER DRAGONS W25-6 2043 SMURFIT CORRAGATED JUNE Darlington Road, Bishop Auckland,County Durham. DL14 9PE 4LEIGHCENTURIONS W27-10 2823 01388 833 888 11 LancashireLynx W48-14 616 18 WIDNESVIKINGS W34-26 2073 25 DewsburyRams LI 2-16 1456 Pmgramme JULY D O U G H T Y ’ S G Y M 2FEATHERSTONE ROVERS H3.00 Pricness Road, Shaw, Didham. 01706 846 762

Oldham RLFC fully support the let’s tackle racism in rugby league campaign and welcomes all players Pfagtamme and spectators Irrespective of their T H E M I R R O R ethnic or racial origins. Racism has no place in our game and racist chants are Hoiiinwood Avenue, Chadderton, Didham 0L9 SEP totally unacceptable. Allow everyone to 0161 683 6073 enjoy the game. Oldham -Well placed for the challenges of the New Millennium

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nam Metropolitan Borough is ready to meet the ly and varied challenges of 2000 and beyond. The Council’s forward thinking approach, commitment and activities have resulted in a massive regeneration and revitalisation programme of the Borough throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

This endeavour has led to an expanding, improving town centre which has benefited trom £100 million investment, 20 new schools in as many years, a national award-winning multi million pound regeneration scheme, development of anew cultural quarter, anew business management school, a town centre based leisure scheme including multiplex cinema, Britain’s newest Sixth Form College, adiversity of industry, the planned extension of the Metrolink tram system and much more.

All this, together with Oldham’s reputation for innovation, hard work and friendliness means that the Borough finds itself well placed to meet the challenges of the New Millennium.

The Council is committed to continuing to serve the local community and in helping Oldham maintain its significant status in the North West Region.

Enquiries about the Council’s policies and activities, O L D H A M D D o n including its regeneration programmes and policies Metropolitan Borough D to the Chief Executive’s Department, PO Box 160, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1UG. NORIHERN NORTHERN FORD r. FORD k i\ Ir 1

□PREMIERSHIP PREMIERSHIP i.m a

OLDHAM FEATHERSTONEROVERS Coach Mike FORD C o a c h P e t e r R O E

M a r k S I B S O N Michael RHODES

r Joey HAYES 21 Jamie STOKES Anthony GIBBONS rsj C h r i s S P U R R Pat RICH 141 Jamie COVENTRY Warren BARROW [51 Matt BRAMALD David GIBBONS [61 Andy BASTOW Neil RODEN [7|Jamie ROONEY Steve MOLLOY Stuart DICKENS John HOUGH [91 Richard CHAPMAN Andy PROCTOR [101 Craig BOOTH Phil FARRELL [11] Danny EVANS Shayne McMENEMY ImNeil LOWE Kevin MANNION [13] Matt LAMBERT

Mike FORD Paddy HANDLEY Leo CASEY <|15 Martin LAW Danny GUEST Andy HEPTINSTALL M a r k C A M P B E L L Steve DOOLER

T O D AY ’ S O F F I C I A L S

REFEREE J. KINSELLA

PETER E. FARRELL

TA6ERNER