Survival is the key – Hamilton

CHRIS Hamilton has laid down realistic expectations for Oldham’s first season back in the game’s second tier.

Speaking at the Roughyeds’ awards night and promotion celebration dinner, the chairman looked ahead to life in the Championship by targeting a third-bottom finish — thus avoiding an immediate drop back into League One.

“History will tell you that very few teams have gone up from League One and stayed up,” Hamilton said.

“However, safe in the knowledge that we have a good coach and a fantastic group of players, plus others who will hopefully be coming in, there is a real belief within the club that we can do a good job in that division.

“There is a lot of hard work to do, but something good is happening at this club. We have seen the start of it already and I think there is more to come.

“We can survive in the Championship, then consolidate, then move forward, but we need as much support, backing and help as we can get.”

For the second year running, second-row forwards Josh Crowley and Danny Langtree jointly won the club’s player-of-the-year award, chosen by coach Scott Naylor, sponsored by Hathershaw Sports Cluster and presented by Lorna Phillip.

Said Naylor: “I’m lucky to have lots of quality lads so it was a very difficult decision, but these two give everything they have for their team and for their club every Sunday.”

Other awards:

Players’ player of the year (sponsored by the Oldham Evening Chronicle, presented by sports editor Kevin Richardson): Adam Neal.

Supporters’ player of the year (sponsored by ORSA, presented by John McAndrew): Lewis Palfrey.

Club man of the year (sponsored by Pam Taylor, presented by Chris Hamilton): Steven Nield.

Unsung hero (sponsored by LTS, presented by Clare Stanley): Adrian Tierney, kit manager.

SWINTON gained promotion to the Championship in dramatic fashion after defeating Keighley 29-28 in the Kingstone Press League One play-off final.

The Lions led 26-16 at half-time and held off a strong fightback from the Cougars.

Featherstone claimed the Kingstone Press Championship Shield as they saw off London Broncos 36–4.

JONATHAN Thurston’s North Queensland Cowboys will make their debut in the annual World Club Challenge following a dramatic 17–16 win over Brisbane Broncos in Sunday’s NRL Grand Final.