Another season of success is saluted

Presentations by Rugby Oldham to players and club officials. PIC shows L-R: Johnny Johnson (St Anne's RLFC Youth Chairman), Mike Kivlin (Rugby Oldham Chair), Matthew Bottom (St Anne's RLFC - Man of Steel winner), Mike Cocker , MD of Joseph Parr (Alco) who presented cheque for £500 to Matthew, Brian Walker (Rugby Oldham) and Peter Townsend (Saddleworth Rangers Secretary).

CLUBS and individuals were honoured at the Rugby Oldham presentation ceremony held at the premises of sponsors and local builder's merchants Joseph Parr (Alco) Ltd.

Saddleworth Rangers were the outright winners of the 2016 open age Rugby Oldham Challenge Trophy, hitting the tape ahead of Fitton Hill Bulldogs, Waterhead Warriors, Oldham St Anne's, Higginshaw and Hollinwood, in that order.

The trophy was presented to Rangers' secretary Peter Townsend.

The Rugby Oldham Junior Club Challenge Trophy was accepted on behalf of his club by Oldham St Anne's youth chairman Johnny Johnson.

He said: "It's great to have lifted this trophy, the kids love to occasionally pick up some silverware, it helps create enthusiasm and grow confidence.

"Clubs like ours have got to keep ahead of the game, especially when you consider the razzmatazz the youngsters are continually subjected to by the big soccer clubs.

"INTRODUCED"
"We've introduced into the club a minions group, so-called because they are as young as three and four years of age.

"It's an early introduction to club life based on fun and enjoyment, but at the same time cultivating attachment and club loyalty."

The players' Man-of-Steel award - along with a £500 cheque contributed by Joseph Parr's - was presented to the winner, forward Matthew Bottom, by company managing director Mike Cocker and Rugby Oldham's chairman Mike Kivlin.

While now playing his rugby league at Oldham St Anne's, Bottom spent the 2016 season with Saddleworth Rangers.

This season, the Trust, alongside Oldham RLFC Ex-Players and the Oldham Amateur League, supported the Oldham Youth and Junior Cup finals. Events like this will help to keep the amateur code alive and kicking in the town and produce the stars of tomorrow.

The Trust also provided sponsorship for the man-of-the match award in this season's Napier Windows Standard Challenge Cup final, which was won by Rochdale Mayfield's Aiden Gleeson.