ROUGHYED REVIEW PROGRAMME No.6 Turning back Sunday, 6th May, 2018 the clock KICK-OFF 3PM page 14 £3.00

Roughyed Fan Focus Howard Mayers page 9

OLDHAM VS Proud Sponsors of

PASSIONATEPASSIONATE ABOUTABOUT RUGBYRUGBY LEAGUELEAGUE 3 HOW CHRIS SEES IT

Workington officials and some of you will know, that hasn’t happened a lot recovery can take quite a because we haven’t won long time. there very often. It’s not something I am To have already looking forward to for chalked up wins at sure, but hopefully during both Whitehaven and my absence the team WELCOME back to the Workington is testament will continue to gain the Vestacare Stadium after to the character of points needed to move us an excellent win up in the lads and it’s now up the table. Workington last week. important that we Of that I have no doubt use that result as a After a valiant effort the and I genuinely think you springboard to kick-on week before against Hull will see us move steadily and hopefully chalk up KR we returned to league up the table as we seek more league points. action at to get more wins on the and the build-up to the Today’s visitors, Newcastle board. game was dominated Thunder, are dangerous Enjoy the match and by Town talking about opponents and we must thanks for your support of going through the season not underestimate them the team, unbeaten at home. After or take them lightly in any beating the Bulls up way. Christopher Hamilton, there recently they were Chairman, We have to make home certainly confident. Oldham advantage count and with Football League We won, however, with a two matches in succession very determined display here at the Vestacare and the 22-point winning Stadium we need to get margin wasn’t flattering maximum points. to us in any way. This will be my last match Post game for a while as I will be was very complimentary going into hospital for to us, as were other heart surgery and, as

www.roughyeds.co.uk 4 VIEW FROM DRESSING ROOM AND DUG-OUT . . . this week head coach

HELLO everyone and are a much different welcome to today’s challenge this year than game against Newcastle they have been in recent Thunder at the Vestacare seasons. Stadium. Our game at Workington Our opponents today was extremely pleasing come to us in a strong to be involved with as a fifth position in the head coach. league and with plenty We showed lots of grit where not many clubs will of confidence, having run and determination, succeed this year. Doncaster and York close especially in defence, but On a personal note it was in two home games. for long periods we were the first time I had tasted also much calmer with Their head coach, Jason victory at Derwent Park the ball than we have Payne, has had a strong in 30 years of trying (see been in earlier games. start to the season and page 14), so the beer you can see why when We didn’t give tasted a little nicer on the you watch them play with Workington much way home. speed in the ruck and opportunity to put Many thanks, with an open, attacking pressure on us, which is game whenever they have something we’ve been Scott good ball. guilty of in certain other They make very few games this season. mistakes in yardage, We looked strong and so they give little field quick and when we got position away. Add to that chances we looked much a great attitude and a more composed. To sum belief that they can match up, it was a very mature Muse Developments Ltd are sponsors of head coach it with anyone and you performance which Scott Naylor and his realise why Newcastle earned a win on a ground assistant Peter Carey

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STATISTICS

Betfred League 1 Table

P W L D PF PA PD PTS 7 6 1 0 322 92 230 12 Bulls 7 6 1 0 238 79 159 12 Doncaster RLFC 7 5 2 0 244 104 140 10 Whitehaven RLFC 7 5 2 0 208 118 90 10 Newcastle Thunder 7 4 3 0 200 136 64 8 8 4 4 0 229 177 52 8 Oldham RLFC 7 4 3 0 158 108 50 8 8 4 4 0 256 222 34 8 Hunslet RLFC 7 4 3 0 149 158 -9 8 7 3 3 1 194 232 -38 7 North Crusaders 8 2 5 1 172 180 -8 5 Bears 6 1 5 0 88 242 -154 2 7 0 7 0 74 278 -204 0 5 0 5 0 26 432 -406 0

Oldham RLFC Player Stats 2018

Squad Player Total Appearance Interchange Tries Goals Drop Points Squad Player Total Appearance Interchange Tries Goals Drop Points No. App App Goals No. App App Goals

1 Kyran Johnson 5 5 0 1 0 0 4 20 Matty Wilkinson 8 4 4 1 0 0 4 2 Dave Eccleston 10 10 0 2 0 0 8 21 Kenny Hughes 9 4 5 0 0 0 0 3 Matt Reid 7 7 0 3 0 0 12 22 Danny Rasool 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 4 Jack Holmes 7 7 0 0 0 0 0 23 Luke Nelmes 10 0 10 0 0 0 0 5 Steven Nield 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 24 Liam Bent 8 6 2 2 0 0 8 6 Paul Crook 10 10 0 1 37 0 78 25 10 10 0 3 0 0 12 7 Dave Hewitt 10 10 0 3 0 1 13 27 Joe Martin 2 2 0 2 0 0 8 8 Phil Joy 8 8 0 3 0 0 12 29 Zack McComb 4 4 0 2 0 0 8 9 Gareth Owen 4 2 2 0 0 0 0 30 Ben West 5 5 0 3 0 0 12 10 Adam Neal 7 7 0 0 0 0 0 DR Ryan Lannon 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 11 Craig Briscoe 6 0 6 1 0 0 4 DR Levy Nzoungou 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 12 Danny Langtree 10 10 0 6 0 0 24 LO Luke Hooley 3 3 0 1 0 0 4 13 Jack Spencer 9 5 4 0 0 0 0 LO 2 2 0 1 0 0 4 18 Ben Davies 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 DR Daniel Murray 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 19 Adam Jones 5 0 5 0 0 0 0 LO Lee Kershaw 3 3 0 3 0 0 12

* DR (Dual Registered Player) LO (Player on Loan) 7 Oldham WILL be at Wembley . . . !

ROUGHYEDS are delighted to announce a fantastic deal for fans built around the Ladbrokes final at Wembley on Saturday, August 25. We have on offer, for only £55, Club Wembley tickets plus FREE executive coach travel from the Vestacare Stadium to Wembley and back, leaving at 8.30am and setting off back at 5.30pm. Moreover, the first 50 Oldham fans to book So despite our fifth-round defeat by Betfred tickets will be invited to take part in the pre- side Hull KR, the Oldham club match Wembley Parade around the world- WILL be going to Wembley and you can be famous arena and thus be actively involved there with us as part of Rugby League’s big in one of the biggest events on the Rugby day. League calendar. To book ring 07904 898177 or go to the club ONE OF THE 50 WILL EVEN HAVE THE website at roughyeds.co.uk and don’t delay CHANCE TO PROUDLY CARRY THE OLDHAM because tickets are limited and will go on a RLFC FLAG AROUND WEMBLEY. first come, first served basis. 8

DEBBIE Abrahams, MP history. It is a part of our from day one and is still for Oldham East and community and I very its chairman and owner. Saddleworth, has helped much look forward to The book’s author, Craig the club to mark its 20th the next 20 years and Halstead, said: “It was anniversary by writing beyond.” with great pleasure that an introductory article I accepted an invitation in a new book titled, Club chairman Chris by Chris Hamilton to tell ‘Roughyeds - Against Hamilton said: “This latest the story of the club’s All The Odds’, that book by Craig Halstead fortunes over the last chronicles the club’s is another cracker. The 20 years. I thoroughly history. title underlines the obstacles the club has enjoyed talking, among Debbie, who attended a had to overcome just others, to past and special gala dinner held at to exist. And the tales, present Oldham players the Queen Elizabeth Hall, reminiscences and who have worn the jersey Oldham in November, memories of so many with pride and passion. said: “It was such a people who have been “Through them, I have pleasure to rub shoulders directly involved with with many great people attempted to give an who’ve been part of the the club will bring our insight into what the club Roughyeds’ story over the adventure against all the has achieved and what it last 20 years. odds back to life for all has had to overcome since Oldham RLFC fans. it was launched in 1997. “The atmosphere at the My thanks to everyone dinner was amazing “It’s a great read and a who has contributed and and it was so much fun must for Roughyeds fans best wishes to the club for listening to the many young and old.” the next 20 years. Happy stories being shared A fascinating insight into reading. Hope you enjoy between supporters past the launch of the ‘new’ the memories!” and present, who all club, and its early days, share a common bond; ‘Roughyeds -- Against All is provided by former The Odds’ costs £12.95 an absolute love of rugby director Sean Whitehead, league. and can be purchased who also has some at the club (tel: 07904 “As I said in the book, revealing things to say 898177) or on match Rugby League is about Chris, who has had days or on line via the interwoven into Oldham an official and unbroken club website at www. life and adds to our rich connection with the club roughyeds.co.uk

www.roughyeds.co.uk 9 Roughyed Fan Focus: Howard Mayers

Q How long have you same weekend (I still live in been watching Oldham? hope), If only Paul Lord’s try had been allowed. I’ve been watching the Roughyeds about 30 years, Another memorable game was on and off. I don’t think I can Oldham’s first season in Super count my first few visits to League and particularly the trip Watersheddings as I was only to France to see Oldham take on eighteen months old! I started Paris St-Germain. We didn’t get watching properly in the 86/87 the result but it was a fantastic season. weekend away to Paris setting off from ‘sheddings on a coach Back then it was very much a and going on Le Shuttle for the family affair with my Dad, Mum first time. and younger sister meeting up with extended family in the Q Do you have any social club before the game favourite away grounds? and also after the game. As Favourite away ground of a youngster I would eagerly get autographs yesteryear was a toss-up between Wilderspool, from both Oldham players and their opponents or Thrum Hall. Current favourite particularly if we were playing one of the bigger away ground is a visit to NW Crusaders which I teams. think is a cracking little setup. Q Any favourite players past and Q Can you recall any funny moments present? watching Oldham? There have been so many over the years. I I think one of my favourite moments was the was always a huge fan of John Cogger in night at Watersheddings when Oldham played the eighties, he was a real handful for any although I can’t remember the exact opposition. I was also a fan of Hugh Waddell, year. A fan ran onto the pitch and tackled the Charlie McAlister and Paddy Kirwan. I think my bear (our mascot at the time) he then saluted all-time favourite from back then would have all his mates in the Watersheddings stand and to be Mick Worrall; I thought he was absolutely got a cheer. What he didn’t bargain for was the outstanding and very exciting to watch. mascot tackling him back and then a Benny Hill Notable players from recent seasons are Michael style chase took place all over the pitch. Ward (it’s been nice to see him at a few games Q Any thoughts on this season? this season), fans-favourite Sam Gee, Danny I think a lot of people underestimated some Langtree and of course the return of Gilly. of the quality in this league and whilst we had Q Do any games stand out in your some early successes notably the performance memory? at Halifax, we then had a couple of disappointing I suppose one memorable game for all the performances getting beaten by Hunslet, wrong reasons was the Challenge Cup semi-final and narrowly by York at Central Park. I remember being so excited I’m really buoyed by recent performances at the prospect of the team finally getting though and I believe we have the right squad to Wembley made even more poignant with to get us where we need to be with promotion Oldham Athletic making it to Wembley on the being the end result.

www.roughyeds.co.uk 10 1904 . . . and we had Ferguson and five more players in the sport’s first-ever international

Oldham club in Dai GEORGE COWBURN continues “Ginger” Thomas and David his series in which he looks at Lewis plus a Scotsman, Jim Moffat, who played for Oldham’s contribution to big Oldham from 1896 to 1901 events in RL history before moving to Leeds. Joe Ferguson had an incredible career with RUGBY Union had its Four One idea was to reduce Oldham, playing in 627 Nations and at football the number of players in games for the club in a 24- were playing the a team from 15 to 12 or year period. other home nations, so 13, so it was decided to what about the Northern play the international as A hooker or prop forward, Union? an experimental 12-a-side he won every honour match. available with Oldham Despite having a parochial apart from a Challenge Cup The game was hardly attitude (the clue is in the winners medal and he held a classic. Even so, if a name) the Northern Union the record for many years couple of clubs had voted decided it needed an of being the game’s oldest international match too. differently at a subsequent meeting of the Northern player. So on April 5, 1904 England Union we could have been He also shared, with James lined up to play an Other watching a 12-a-side game Lomas, the distinction Nationalities side consisting for the past 114 years or so. of playing international of ten Welshmen and two Rugby League at 12, 13 and Scots. In the England side were two players from Oldham 15-a-side. Hang on, that only makes - Joe Ferguson and Frank First he played an 12 . . . what happened to Spottiswoode. A third international under the the others ? member of the side, James old rules (15-a-side), then Conscious of the need “Jumbo” Lomas, would he played against Other to counter the growing become an Oldham player Nationalities in the 1904 popularity of association a few years later in 1911. 12-a-side match and then football, the Northern The Other Nationalities side he played in two 13-a-side Union were looking for was captained by Oldham’s internationals, including ways to make the game George Frater, a Scotsman, one in which he captained more open and spectator and also included two England to victory over friendly. Welshmen from the the 1907 New Zealand All

www.roughyeds.co.uk 11

Other Nationalities captain George Frater signed for Oldham from the Melrose club in Scotland in time for the start of the 1896-7 season. He made 262 appearances before retiring after the last game of the 1904-5 season. A tough, hard-working forward, he later emigrated to New Zealand. Dai Thomas, one of two players in the Other Nationalities side with the same name, played 61 times for Oldham, missing only one game in his last season JOE FERGUSON . . . a colossus of of 1904-5. A back-row FRANK SPOTTISWOODE . . . a man in Oldham RL history forward, he was signed played alongside Ferguson for from the Cardiff Rugby England in 1904. Golds. Union club. postponed due to severe Frank Spottiswoode made David Lewis, signed from frost and played instead his debut for Oldham in Swansea RU, appeared at ’s Central Park September, 1901, playing ground in the April. in 112 games and scoring only 26 times for Oldham, 45 tries. A winger, he was playing either in the centre Unfortunately, due to signed from Carlisle Rugby or at scrum half. incessant rain, the pitch was Union club and played for Jim Moffat, also from heavy and the weather kept Cumberland in both codes. Melrose, played 96 times the crowd down to 6,000. A record fee of £300 for the club, making his The score was 9-3 in the secured the services of debut on Christmas Day, Other Nationalities favour. James Lomas for Oldham 1896 before leaving for England’s try was scored when he transferred from the Leeds club. A versatile by Warrington winger Salford in January, 1911. forward, he also played for Jack Fish and the Other The powerful well-built , as did Frater Nationalities tries went to centre or stand off (hence and Dai Thomas. David Harris and one apiece the nickname ‘Jumbo’) The match was originally for each Dai Thomas. was a superstar of his era, due to be played at Neither side was able to captaining the ground- Watersheddings on New kick a goal in this first-ever breaking 1910 Great Britain Year’s Day, 1904 but it was international. tour to Australia and New Zealand. ‘Pictures courtesy of Oldham RL Heritage Trust

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14 Turning back the clock . . .

Chairman Chris Hamilton, A glance at the team that day, meanwhile, was savouring which includes only six players the extremely sporting and who are still at the club, shows complimentary comments that the extent of the turnover on were being made about the the playing roster in the last Roughyeds by Town officials two years. and by their young coach Lepori; Clay, Bibby, Holmes, Leon Pryce. Chisholm; Palfrey, Grimshaw; “We looked a League 1 side,” Joy, Owen, Spencer, he said. “Oldham looked like a Middlehurst, Langtree, Hope. Championship outfit.” Subs: Ward, Thompson, Files, On the long journey home Hughes. the question was asked: Gary Middlehurst and Phil Joy When did we last win at both scored our tries and Lewis Workington and Whitehaven in the same season ? Palfrey kicked a couple of goals. Answer: Not as long ago as you might think, the So to last Sunday and our OUR 32-10 win at Workington 2000/2001 Northern Ford third win at Derwent Park in was special for Scott Naylor in Premiership season when we the last six visits, going back more ways than one. won 22-6 at Workington on to September, 2011. In more than 30 years of December 17, 2000 and 16-15 Workington 10 (goal, Foster; going to Derwent Park as at Whitehaven on June 17, tries, Gregson, Miller), Oldham player and coach -- and that’s 2001. 32 (goals, Crook 4; tries, Bent, with Bradford, Salford and Team at Workington: Sibson; Langtree, Kershaw, Hooley, Oldham - it was the first time Cross, A Gibbons, Rich, Lacy; Joy, Hewitt). he had ever sampled the D Gibbons, Roden; Procter, Team: Hooley; Eccleston, Gill, satisfaction of ending up on Hough, Casey, P Farrell, the celebrating side. Reid, Kershaw; Crook, Hewitt; Norton, Sinfield. Subs: Ford, Joy, Hughes, Spencer, Bridge, “A first . . . it’s a good feeling,” Clegg, Guest, C Farrell. M-O-M, Langtree, Bent. Subs: Owen, he said, with a smile on his Roden. Wilkinson, Jones, Nelmes. face, as the Roughyeds players At Whitehaven: Sibson; Credited with assists for belted out their victory song in McNicholas, A Gibbons, Rich, the dressing room. Lacy; D Gibbons, Roden; the try scorers were Jack “I deliberately didn’t mention Casey, Brennan, Norton, P Spencer (Bent); Luke Nelmes it before the game, for obvious Farrell, Henare, Mannion. Subs: (Langtree); Luke Hooley reasons, but it won’t be a Ford, Clegg, C Farrell, Guest. (Kershaw); Gareth Owen secret any more !” M-O-M, Brennan. (Hooley); Matty Wilkinson (Joy); Matt Reid (Hewitt). Then off he went to enjoy the In Scott’s tenure as coach moment after handing over we had played only once Our three loan men all did the duties of dealing with the at Workington, prior to well, Kershaw and Hooley each post-game media interviews last Sunday, and that was scoring an impressive try and to his right-hand man and a 23-12 defeat in the 2016 Kieran Gill looking a class act close friend Peter Carey. Championship season. at right-centre.

www.roughyeds.co.uk 15 Home sweet home in May and June

SOMETHING that separates us from rivals in Betfred League 1 is the fact that each of our seven games has been against a team from the ‘northern powerhouse’. Four have been away - at Whitehaven, , Bradford Bulls and Note, too, that we then publicly that Super League Workington -- and we’ve travel to for the has gone backwards while won three, including two in West Wales Raiders game the Championship and Cumbria. on SATURDAY, May 19 League 1 have kicked-on. Of our three home games - (3pm) and that the home He told League Express York, Hunslet and Keighley - game with Doncaster -- a that the progression of we were beaten by York and potential cracker -- has Championship and League Hunslet, but we redeemed been moved from Sunday, 1 under the current system ourselves by defeating the May 27 to Sunday, June was there for all to see, Cougars. 3 (3pm) because the adding: “League 1 now is Two things are set to Vestacare is unavailable on where the Championship change. Starting today, the weekend of May 26 and was four years ago. four of our next six league 27. “League 1 is stronger games are here at the After today we’ve got than its ever been. The Vestacare Stadium and Hemel, West Wales, Championship has kicked all but two of the six will Coventry and London on too and I honestly be against teams we Skolars in our next five, believe the game is can loosely describe as but the immediate focus progressing fantastically ‘southern’ sides. is on today’s opponents, well outside of Super GO TO PAGE 22 FOR Newcastle Thunder, who are League, which has gone UPDATED FIXTURES BUT above us in the table and lie backwards. NOTE THAT THE HOME in the play-off group with “Super League clubs are GAME AGAINST HEMEL Bradford, Doncaster and scared stiff about the Super STAGS, POSTPONED Whitehaven. 8s this year because there BECAUSE OF SNOW IN Only two points separate could be three, or even four, MARCH, WILL BE HERE Hunslet (9th) and Doncaster Championship clubs who NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 13 (3rd) and Doncaster chief could take their spots at the (3pm). executive Carl Hall has said big table. They’re terrified.”

www.roughyeds.co.uk 16 Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust Through the Years… Oldham v Thunder/ “The Roughyeds’ Kitbag” Newcastle Thunder OLDHAM RLFC Left: Mark Sibson breaks clear at During World War One 1914 - 1918 Boundary Park. Due for release in October 2018, this is the latest and arguably the greatest 18.02.2001. publication from the Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust.

Below: Dave Ellison is caught in a two 190 A4 pages - Packed with facts, figures and images, the book, hardback and in full man tackle at Sedgeley Park. colour, deals with the running of the club during one of the darkest periods in the 23.04.2010. history of the country. PRICE: £20 + £3.50 P&P (Delivery free to Oldham postcodes)

To ensure you obtain one of this limited edition of 500 copies and also have your dedication printed in the book, please send your order to: The Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust 9,Dumfries Drive, Denshaw, Oldham, OL3 5SG. Or email for further details: [email protected] Please make cheques payable to: Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust

Dedication: …………………………………………………..…………………..... Maximum: 15 words. Examples: In memory of John Boardman, Oldham FC (Grenadier Guards). Left: Paul O’Connor in action at St. Annes ARLFC Gateshead. 04.07.2010. W. Howard - for all the Saddleworth lads lost in the wars. In memory of Thomas Steele, John Hogan and Walter Mills - The Oldham VCs. Below: George Tyson breaks clear at (Dedications for inclusion must be received by May 28th 2018) Whitebank. Below: A try for Mo Agoro at 17.05.2015. Filtrona Park, South Shields. 30.06.2013

Sgt-Maj Fred Wise DCM Lieut. J.S. Parkinson Private D. Shannon Killed in Action

www.roughyeds.co.uk 17

Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust Through the Years… Oldham v / “The Roughyeds’ Kitbag” Newcastle Thunder OLDHAM RLFC Left: Mark Sibson breaks clear at During World War One 1914 - 1918 Boundary Park. Due for release in October 2018, this is the latest and arguably the greatest 18.02.2001. publication from the Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust.

Below: Dave Ellison is caught in a two 190 A4 pages - Packed with facts, figures and images, the book, hardback and in full man tackle at Sedgeley Park. colour, deals with the running of the club during one of the darkest periods in the 23.04.2010. history of the country. PRICE: £20 + £3.50 P&P (Delivery free to Oldham postcodes)

To ensure you obtain one of this limited edition of 500 copies and also have your dedication printed in the book, please send your order to: The Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust 9,Dumfries Drive, Denshaw, Oldham, OL3 5SG. Or email for further details: [email protected] Please make cheques payable to: Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust

Dedication: …………………………………………………..…………………..... Maximum: 15 words. Examples: In memory of John Boardman, Oldham FC (Grenadier Guards). Left: Paul O’Connor in action at St. Annes ARLFC Gateshead. 04.07.2010. W. Howard - for all the Saddleworth lads lost in the wars. In memory of Thomas Steele, John Hogan and Walter Mills - The Oldham VCs. Below: George Tyson breaks clear at (Dedications for inclusion must be received by May 28th 2018) Whitebank. Below: A try for Mo Agoro at 17.05.2015. Filtrona Park, South Shields. 30.06.2013

Sgt-Maj Fred Wise DCM Lieut. J.S. Parkinson Private D. Shannon Killed in Action

www.roughyeds.co.uk 18 Our Visitors Newcastle Thunder

We welcome Newcastle the regular season, winning Thunder to the Vestacare nine out of 15 games. That Stadium today for our first meant a place in the Super encounter with the men 8s which led to a semi- they turned over the North from since final contest with Barrow London side 60-16. August 2015. That fixture Raiders. The Cumbrian side was played up on Tyneside comprehensively defeated Since that resounding when Oldham were in the Thunder at Craven Park by victory in the south the midst of an unbeaten run 60-0 but nevertheless the rest of the season has seen that would ultimately lead club had rallied in the latter mixed fortune for Jason to promotion. stages of the season under Payne’s side. A narrow interim coach Jason Payne loss at home to Doncaster A tough encounter saw who would go on to take-up was followed by an away the two sides fight tooth the position permanently. victory at . and nail for the two points Further wins against North with Oldham’s Sam Gee For this season’s promotion Wales Crusaders and most enjoying an early bath in push, coach Payne has recently Hunslet Hawks are the 62nd minute. The result signed Theerapol Ritson set against losses to York could have swung either and Connor Fitzsimmons City Knights and Keighley way with Thunder taking from Workington Town and Cougars. full advantage of their extra Castleford respectively whilst numbers. The luck stayed managing to hold-on to key Newcastle and Oldham have with Oldham though and players in his squad such eight points each from seven a late try for centre Tom as hooker Evan Simons and games and are level in the Ashton sealed the win for second-row Harry Aldous. table. Our visitors sit in fifth the Roughyeds. This season Newcastle place compared to Oldham’s Newcastle finished in started off with a trip to seventh due a 14 point eighth place in 2015 and so South Wales but due to superior points difference. sought a higher finish in the an absence of necessary A Thunder win today would 2016 season. Seven wins medical supplies, the game advance them towards the from 14 games saw them at Stebonheath park was play-off places whereas finish in ninth place, one abandoned and Thunder an Oldham win would see position short of the newly had to make the 367 mile the Roughyeds leap-frog introduced League 1 Super trip back to the North East our opponents in a similar 8s competition. That meant without throwing a pass. quest for the end of season they contested the League promotion challenge. London Skolars were to 1 Shield which they went on provide the first competitive There’s much at stake then to win, beating North Wales opposition for Newcastle for both teams and today’s Crusaders 27-20 in the final. at their New River Stadium. game should be another Last season in 2017, The Thunder team must good spectacle in this year’s Newcastle finished sixth in have been raring to go since competitive League 1.

www.roughyeds.co.uk 19 Three to watch Newcastle Thunder

Theerapol Ritson

Former fan-favourite of Workington Town supporters, this classy full-back or winger signed for Newcastle in time for this 2018 season. More commonly known as Tee, Ritson earned himself a formidable reputation at Derwent Park, operating alongside players such as half-back Jarrod Sammutt. Pacey and dangerous on the break.

Tyler Craig

A former Heworth ARLFC junior who joined the professional ranks at York City Knights, making his debut in 2012. A tall and quick three-quarter, Craig was labelled a fitness freak by the Knights coaching staff. Moved on to Newcastle Thunder in 2017 and is now in his second season on Tyneside.

Rhys Clarke

Club stalwart and vice-captain, Clarke is enjoying his second spell with the Newcastle Club, having spent periods with York City Knights and Whitehaven. A Gateshead lad, the player has signed a new two- year contract at Kingston Park and his experience and second-row presence adds stablity to the Thunder pack.

www.roughyeds.co.uk ORLFC PROGRAMME 7.2.qxp_Layout 1 17/05/2017 11:09 Page 20

GET20 YOUR TICKETS FROM ROUGHYEDS AND YOU'LL BE SUPPORTING YOUR CLUB FINANCIALLY AS WELL AS IN PERSON

TODAY'SNeal game and theblowThe more ticketsas we sell specialistthe But hurry, tickets are selling next two -- versus better we do financially so it well and time is running out. Rochdale and Swinton - helps YOUR club if you get -- representgives three of the hisyour ticketsverdict from us. The players will wear, for this most important clashes match only, shirts sponsored of the season, given that by TLH Auctioneers of PROP Adam Neal could be out ofSeason-ticket action for holdersNeal go has free. already missed two games, against Batleyseveral and weeks our twofollowing the blowSaturday to his headtickets forHull everybody KR in the ChallengeChadderton Cup --- and the Workingtonlatest derbyin the rivals home are game close against to Keighleyelse (fourCougars games) costin Betfred £20 or Leagueaddition 1, and toafter our asponsorship specialist’s uson in April the Championship 15 which Roughyeds won£30 32-18. (adults) and £10consultation or £15 lastportfolio. Monday he’s likely to miss a table.He was knocked out in a 65th-minute(concessions). tackle few more. that was placed on report with Oldham 24-18 We hope to take a large Said coach Scott Naylor: “It wasn’t good ahead in a thrilling game that was very much news. He won’t be available for the Newcastle followingin the balanceto Blackpool at that next stage. To get your tickets ring Saturday, May 27 for our clash Roughyeds on 07904Thunder 898177 game. He’s to have more tests and He was led from the field, never to return, and he’s been told it’s not possible at this stage to with Hornets (2.30) in Summer between 9.30am and 1.30pm Roughyeds went on to seal victory with a Liam know how long his recovery will take. Bash.Bent There try and are twothree goals more by Paul Crook.on Monday, Tuesday and games on the same day, Wednesday next week“It could be one week, four weeks or even The RFL’s match review panel later concluded eight weeks --- we just don’t know.” makingthere tickets was nothing terrific value wrong for with theand tackle, between 9.30am and money.but indicated there may have been3.30pm a clash on Friday.of The unlucky Neal was also out for several heads. weeks last season with a broken jaw. LADBROKES CHALLENGE CUP 5 FREE ODDS BOOSTS EVERY ROUND The power to boost your odds instantly

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97983L_Challenge Cup_A5.indd 1 26/01/2018 11:41 22

Date Time Opponents Result Attn. FEBRUARY Sunday 18 3.00pm Whitehaven RLFC A 14—0 (won) 785 Sunday 25 3.00pm H 42—0 (won) 364 (Challenge Cup Round 3) MARCH Sunday 11 3.00pm York City Knights H 22-24 (lost) 703 Tuesday 20 7.30pm Halifax (LCC, rd 4) A 27-6 (won) 688 Sunday 25 2.30pm A 30-2 (won) 449 Friday 30 6.00pm Bradford Bulls A 12-30 (lost) 4,036 APRIL Sunday 8 3.00pm Hunslet RLFC H 16-24 (lost) 544 Sunday 15 3.00pm Keighley Cougars H 32-18 (won) 530 Sunday 22 3.00pm Hull KR (LCC) at Bower Fold H 0-32 (lost) 1,064 Sunday 29 3.00pm Workington Town A 32-10 (won) 712 MAY Sunday 6 3.00pm Newcastle Thunder H Sunday 13 3.00pm Hemel Stags H Saturday 19 3.00pm West Wales Raiders A JUNE Sunday 3 3.00pm Doncaster RLFC H Sunday 10 3.00pm Coventry Bears A OLDHAM have made two changes to the fixture list involving home games against Hemel home games against involving list the fixture changes to made two OLDHAM have the Vestacare at will be played 4 because of snow, on March postponed Hemel game, The days has been put back seven 27, May originally on Sunday, Doncaster, home game against The Stags and Doncaster. Stags 13 (3pm). May Sunday, next Stadium 26 and 27. on May is unavailable Stadium June 3 (3pm) because the Vestacare Sunday, to * * * Sunday 17 3.00pm London Skolars H Sunday 24 3.30pm Hunslet RLFC A JULY Sunday 1 3.00pm Workington Town H Sunday 8 3.00pm West Wales Raiders H Sunday 15 3.00pm Keighley Cougars A Sunday 22 3.00pm North Wales Crusaders H Sunday 29 3.00pm Doncaster RLFC A AUGUST Sunday 5 2.00pm Hemel Stags A Sunday 12 3.00pm Whitehaven RLFC H Sunday 19 3.00pm Newcastle Thunder A SEPTEMBER Sunday 2 3.00pm Coventry Bears H Sunday 9 3.00pm York City Knights A Sunday 16 3.00pm Bradford Bulls H

RESULTS Sunday 22 3.00pm London Skolars A

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theoldhamtimes TheOldhamTimes OLDHAM RLFC

1. Kyran Johnson Mick Harrop 1. Tee Ritson

2. Dave Eccleston Les and Eileen Davison 2. Ali Blair

3. Matt Reid Les and Eileen Davison 3. Tyler Craig

4. Jack Holmes David and Val Webster 4.

5. Steven Nield Clarice Stevens 5. Mo Agoro

6. Paul Crook Rita Walton 8. Liam McAvoy

7. Dave Hewitt Chris Noble MBE 9. Evan Simons

8. Phil Joy Oldham Past Players Association 10. Rhys Clarke

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13. Jack Spencer Graeme Lee 15. Sam Luckley

18. Ben Davies Sponsorship available. Ring 07904 898177 16. Tom Shaw

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24. Liam Bent ORSA 25. Sam Blake

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29. Zack McComb David and Val Webster 27. David Weetman

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Luke Hooley Sponsorship available. Ring 07904 898177 29. Scott Derrick

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SCOTT NAYLOR - Head Coach Muse Developments Ltd ** Dan Turland

PETER CAREY - Assistant Coach Muse Developments Ltd ** Danny Nicklas

** Lewis Young

** Liam Scott

Referee: N. Bennett Scan the QR code for JASON PAYNE - Coach today’s Oldham team Touch Judge 1: G. Melling

Touch Judge 2: J. Woodman

Reserve Ref: E. Barnett