Roughyeds ready to make a splash

PREPARATIONS continue to go swimmingly for Oldham ahead of the biggest game of the season.

The Roughyeds squad took to the pool at Oldham Sports Centre last night for a session designed to aid and assist recovery, particularly important given that so many of the squad are carrying injuries brought about by wear and tear.

No fresh news is available on who will or won’t start in the Co-operative Championship One play-off final against Keighley — a game in which Oldham will wear their away kit — but few players will want to miss out on a game about which plenty of optimism exists in and around the club.

“It isn’t kidology,” said Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton, who once again reported strong ticket sales for Sunday’s date in Warrington.

“We are just taking the opportunity to give everyone as long as possible to recover.

“The schedule that has been put in place is very similar to that of last week and we will build it up as the week goes on.”

Roughyeds physio Rachael Johnson will again have her work cut out in the coming days. Paul Reilly (lower back), Craig Littler (hamstring), Tommy Goulden (hamstring), Marcus St Hilaire (calf), Martin Roden (ankle), Phil Joseph (hamstring), Lee Greenwood (shoulder) and Lucas Onyango (knee) are all carrying knocks.

The winners in the annual Co-operative Championship awards were revealed last night at a ceremony in Manchester.

Barrow Raiders hooker Andy Ellis was named as the Championship player of the year, with Dewsbury scrum-half Liam Finn picking up the Championship One award.

Barrow’s Dave Clark is the coach of the year in the Championship, Warren Jowitt of Dewsbury claiming the honours in Championship One, with Kyle Amor of Whitehaven and Jonny Leather of Blackpool the young players of the year in the Championship and Championship One respectively.

Ronnie Laughton, voted the Championship’s referee of the year, is to take charge of Sunday’s play-off final between the Roughyeds and Keighley.