'Yickers' target another upset

Jordan Gibson - Haydock ARFLC

A FANTASTIC 12 months could get even better for Haydock this weekend.

The amateurs have defied the odds by reaching the fourth round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup - becoming the lowest-ranked side to achieve the feat.

Standing in their way are Oldham RL, from the Kingstone Press Championship.

The clash takes place at Bower Fold on Saturday and will be streamed live on the BBC website (kick-off 1pm).

Although massive underdogs against Scott Naylor's Roughyeds, Haydock are on a remarkable run of form.

'MASSIVE'

"We had a massive season last year," said skipper Jordan Gibson, who was named 2016 North-West Men's League Man of Steel last month.

"In 2015, we had some bad news that our chairman (and club founder, Eric Smith) was diagnosed with cancer so we made a pact last season to win the league for him. Sadly he passed away during the year, so I think it was fitting that we went on to win the Grand Final and finish top of the league."

"It was an absolutely brilliant feeling when the final whistle went after the Grand Final," added the former Leigh Centurions half-back. "Seeing all our friends there cheering you on from the stands lifted us that extra 10 per cent."

Gibson's 'Yickers' qualified for the Challenge Cup thanks to their NWML title win. They kicked off their run with a shock 17-4 win at Wath Brow Hornets - a team who finished four divisions and 42 places above them in 2016.

"That was an incredible game - one of the highlights of my career so far," added Gibson, who was named man-of-the-match.

Haydock followed that up with another shock in round two, beating BARLA National Cup winners Thornhill Trojans 30-20 in front of a record crowd of over 500 people on home turf.

After an impressive 26-12 win at London's Wests Warriors in round three, they travel to Oldham.

"We've got a big season ahead of us and I can't wait to get stuck into the league - hopefully we can do it all again and get the locals behind us for the season ahead."

Haydock have made a good start to their Premier Division campaign with victories over Haresfinch (40-14) and Shevington Sharks (38-16).