Ticket sales boost for Roughyeds
Reporter: by MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date published: 29 September 2009
BRISK ticket sales have been reported at Roughyeds HQ ahead of the promotion-deciding play-off final against Keighley this weekend.
Exact figures are unknown, but the feeling of Oldham chief executive Chris Hamilton is that more fans have committed to making the trip to Warrington for Sunday’s Co-operative Championship One showpiece event — Oldham’s third consecutive final appearance — than at this stage in the two previous years.
“We have been in three finals in a row and on each occasion, have qualified for the final only a week before it is due to take place,” said Mr Hamilton.
“I don’t yet know how we are comparing in terms of numbers but we certainly seem to be busier than we have been for the other two finals.”
The 44-14 dismantling of a York side who were clear favourites to make it through to face the Cougars has spread belief around the club that promotion — the prospects for which had seemed so distant only a month ago — is now a very real and achievable goal.
“There is a lot of optimism around and rightly so, both among players and supporters, that this can be our year,” added Mr Hamilton, who has seen his side lose the last two finals to Featherstone and Doncaster.
“The club has a history of being bridesmaids on occasions like this. But (head coach) Tony Benson, the coaching staff and the players all deserve success so we really hope they achieve it.”
Tickets for finals day at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday entitle the holder to watch all three games: Bramley v Huddersfield Underbank (12.30pm kick off), Keighley Cougars v Oldham (3.05pm) and Barrow v Halifax (5.30pm).
Oldham’s seated allocation is for behind the posts in the East Stand, with standing available on the terraces along the side in the South Stand.
In both cases, prices are set at £15 adults and £8 concessions. The office is open from 9am to 5pm today and Wednesday and from 9am to 7pm on Thursday and Friday.
Supporters’ coaches need to be pre-booked at the Roughyeds office (0161) 628 3677 as soon as possible.
