Oldham aim to halt away-game hoodoo

Garry Owen

OLDHAM RL go to Halifax tonight (8pm) still seeking their first away win in the Championship and determined to erase the memory of their worst 40 minutes of the season.

Considering their generally impressive form at Bower Fold, where they've seen off Dewsbury Rams, Batley Bulldogs, Sheffield Eagles and Featherstone Rovers, it remains unfathomable that Halifax could slam 30 points past them without reply in the first half of a strange game at the Fold on Good Friday.

No doubt having taken an ear bashing, Roughyeds were a different side in the second half when they scored five tries to two to regain some pride at least in a 42-28 defeat that could have been so much worse.

EASED OFF

The thought that 'Fax might have eased off in readiness for their big derby clash with Bradford Bulls only three days later (they won 14-10 with their best performance so far) wouldn't go away, yet their results over the first half of the season tend to suggest there was more to it.

Unlike Scott Naylor's men ­- generally good at home, poor away ­- 'Fax have been inconsistent all season both at home and away, as a result of which they will have it all to do to hit their target of a top-four finish and qualification for the 'Middle 8s'.

Despite five defeats at Leigh, Featherstone, Workington, Swinton and Whitehaven, the Roughyeds can make the short trip in the sure knowledge that if they can get anywhere near their home form ­- or reproduce the enterprise and energy that rocked Hull KR in the Challenge Cup ­- they've got to be in with a shout.

The forwards have taken a pounding in recent weeks, doing battle with the likes of Chris Hill, Ashton Sims, Ben Currie, Jamie Acton, Dayne Weston, Harrison Hansen and Gareth Hock, but the recruitment on loan of Leigh front-rower Tom Spencer will be a big help, and especially so if there is also a place in the provisional 19-man squad for Tyler Dickinson, the young prop from Huddersfield who has played several times already on dual registration.

Unlike the Warrington game (two props) then Leigh (three props), Naylor might even go into battle tonight with FIVE ­- Phil Joy, Michael Ward, Joe Burke, Tom Spencer, Tyler Dickinson ­- or four at the very least.

The squad will take heart from that and none more so than the halves, who need their pack to be on the front foot if they are to make any impact.

The side won't be announced until one hour before kick-off but whether he's in at hooker or half-back it will be a big night for Gareth Owen, given that it will be his 100th career appearance after 37 with Salford, 15 with Sheffield and 47 with Oldham, his home-town club.

It says heaps about his skills, understanding of the game and all-round rugby nous that Naylor has the confidence to play the former Waterhead junior at hooker, half-back and even full-back ­- and for one of such small stature it says even more about his big heart, bravery and ability to read the game.