Trio have chance of Dewsbury comeback

Photo: Darren Robinson

Will Hope

A MEDICAL roll call at training last night confirmed initial post-game reports that Oldham emerged injury free from Sunday's game at Batley.

"That's a bonus," said coach Scott Naylor, whose relatively small squad has been ripped apart by injury in the Roughyeds' first crack at Championship rugby after nine years in Kingstone Press League One.

There are still eight players on the casualty list but three of them, Will Hope (pictured, ankle), Danny Grimshaw (groin) and Jack Spencer (hand) have "a chance" of playing at Dewsbury Rams on Sunday, said the Oldham boss.

Asked for his assessment on Richard Lepori (shoulder), he replied: "Slim chance."

Of the other four, Craig Briscoe (knee) looks to have the best chance of making it in the next week or two, while Jon Ford (knee), Tom Ashton (knee) and Jamel Chisholm seem to be a long way off.

Naylor added: "In the case of 'Lippy' (Lepori) it's going to be all about pain management. He has been told there is no structural damage to the shoulder, but it is still giving him pain.

'GENERAL FITNESS'

"Craig Briscoe did a full training session last night, but he still needs a couple of weeks to work on his general fitness because he's been out for so long.

"Jon Ford's post-injection recovery period is four to five weeks and Tom Ashton sees the doctor this week to see if he needs another scan and possibly another operation.

"That leaves Jamel (Chisholm) who is waiting to hear from his own doctor concerning his finger injury and whether he needs an operation."

Bradford Bulls, who play Oldham at Bower Fold next Wednesday night, have signed St Helens half-back Lewis Charnock (21) on a month's loan to replace Lee Gaskell, who is recovering from a hamstring injury.