New boys 'embrace' Oldham challenge

OLDHAM'S new boys have stepped up to the plate in the club's hour of need.

That's the view of Chris Hamilton, the Roughyeds chairman, after reinforcements were brought in to help relieve a raft of injuries.

Players short of experience at Championship level, some coming from the academy sphere, have pulled on the red and white jersey to aid Oldham's battle to beat the drop.

The Roughyeds, who recovered brilliantly to draw 22-22 at Batley, featured loanees Luke Hooley (Wakefield Trinity), Ben Morris (St Helens), Liam Bent (Salford Red Devils) and Sadiq Adebiyi (London Broncos), as well as Matty Wilkinson, who joined on a permanent deal at the end of June after being released by Salford.

"SETTLE IN"

Hamilton said: "It is always difficult when new players come in as it takes time for them to settle in, get to know their team-mates, learn new structures and generally find their feet.

"While Luke Hooley has played four games for Dewsbury early on in the season, Ben Morris has stepped up from playing reserve-team rugby at St Helens and we've brought in the academy lads.

"They've all acquitted themselves really well and the Championship is a tough competition. They all know that and didn't come here believing it was ever going to be a doddle. Each and every one of them has embraced it."

Referee Gareth Hewer has been placed in charge of Oldham's derby match at Rochdale on Bank Holiday Monday.

This time 12 months ago the 35-year-old Cumbrian official was gearing for the Challenge Cup final between Hull and Warrington at Wembley.

Hewer was in the man in the middle when the Roughyeds faced Hornets at Bower Fold in the final game of the regular season on July 23.

He sent both Oldham's George Tyson and Rochdale's Ben Moores to the sin bin during the match, which he handled with his usual firm control and common sense.