Warriors secure new trio

Coach Jon Perks

WATERHEAD Warriors have strengthened ahead of tomorrow's derby mission at Oldham St Anne's by bringing in three new recruits from the 15-man code.

Danny Maher and his brothers Jake and Mark have linked up with the Peach Road club after the rugby union season came to an end at Fleetwood and Fylde.

HOP

The new trio will come into the reckoning for Waterhead as they make the short hop to Higginshaw Road for a mid-table clash in Division Three of the Kingstone Press National Conference League.

The contest offers the Warriors a chance to make up for the early-season disappointment of being edged out 26-24 the last time the duo met, in a Standard Cup semi-final tie at Peach Road.

"The kicking game from St Anne's was the difference on that day," reflected Warriors coach Jon Perks. "Our last-tackle plays weren't quite up to scratch.

"We will be looking to better our discipline and hopefully come out on top this time.

"I don't think there is much between the two sides."

Dale Lowe (calf) is the main injury concern at this stage for Waterhead, who are set to field a pair of under-18s starlets in Declan Slicker and Tom Houraghan.

While Waterhead enter the game having enjoyed a week's rest, Saints are buoyed by last week's 40-16 home win over Dewsbury Moor Maroons in which Dominic Bryan claimed a hat-trick.

The hosts will look to Matt Whitehead to dictate the game from half-back.

In Division Two, Saddleworth Rangers aim to back up a thumping win last week to edge towards the top half of the table.

Rangers saw off visitors Salford City Roosters 51-0, with Gavin Dodd running in three excellent tries, but tomorrow they face a stern test at their Shaw Hall Bank Road home.

Divisional leaders Crosfields are heading to town.