Boss set for battle

Bill Quinn: determined

BILL Quinn is to don a pair of gloves and defend his unofficial title as rugby league's most lethal pugilist.

The Roughyeds chairman, who dismantled Kiwi hard man Brad Hepi on his last visit to the ring, will take part in a charity event labelled 'The Battle at Batley Frontier' and is squaring up to a true legend of the sport in Garry Schofield, who has won more caps than anybody else at Great Britain level.

"I'll try to not hit him as hard as I did Brad Hepi!" joked Quinn, who turns 43 in late March and is three months younger than Schofield.

"He is a big lad who will give it a good shot and I'll be on my toes against him.

"I am hoping to go in there a little bit lighter than last time and to do the business.

"It will be an all-out battle in there. I don't think Garry Schofield is the type to take things lightly and I will have to take the sting out of the scorpion's tail."

Two current Roughyeds stars are also on the bill. Paul Reilly is set to fight Dave Downs of Featherstone Rovers, while Phil Joseph squares up to Dewsbury's Andy Burland.

"We asked the players if they were interested and spoke to the coach, who was keen, and those two volunteered," Quinn added. "Fair play to them and I am sure they will both do Oldham proud."

A gold package for the April 1 event, which is being held for the benefit of the Steve Prescott Foundation, costs £100 and a silver package £35 per head.

Bookings can be made via the Frontier Club on (01924) 442122, Martin Blondel on 07971 792859, or online at www.steveprescottfund.co.uk