Naylor’s chill-out approach

SCOTT NAYLOR

AFTER a team performance at Whitehaven which he described as “a bit flat”, Oldham RL coach Scott Naylor took the softly, softly approach . . . and gave his players a well-earned break.

Last night’s training session was cancelled.

And after beating full-time opponents in two of their last three games, including Super League outfit Hull KR away in the Challenge Cup, the Roughyeds’ part-timers were given a night off and told to chill.

For Naylor’s assortment of school teachers, gas engineers, fireplace fitters, lorry drivers, men in suits and sundry other workers, it was a welcome break.

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Speaking after the 14-6 loss in Cumbria which ended a run of three consecutive wins, the Oldham coach said his players looked physically and mentally jaded.

By playing last Saturday, a day earlier than usual, and not training last night, they will have had the best part of five rugby-free days by the time they report back for training after work tomorrow.

Naylor said: “They needed a break. They’ve been hard at it since the start of pre-season training last November and, unlike League One, we don’t get free Sundays in the Championship.

“We’re all enjoying our cup run, but it puts more demands on us at a time when we have a few players out injured.

“We’ll be back to it tomorrow night in preparation for Featherstone on Sunday, but the five days away from each other and away from rugby will have done them good.”

The only players called in last night were those who needed treatment —Danny Langtree (ankle), Kenny Hughes (ribs), Jamel Chisholm (ribs) and Sammy Gee (ankle).

Summer Bash tickets and tickets for the Warrington Wolves cup-tie at Bower Fold on Saturday week, May 7 (3pm) are available from Whitebank up to 1,30pm today; from 9.30am to 1.30pm tomorrow; and from 9.30am to 4pm on Friday.

Seat season-ticket holders need to claim their usual seats for the cup-tie before 4pm Friday.