Rangers have competition in droves

SADDLEWORTH Rangers are at full strength ahead of the home local derby against Rochdale Mayfield (2.30pm), as Keith Brennan’s side aim to build on a positive start to the season.

Last Wednesday, Rangers began their National Conference League division one campaign with a 24-10 win over Dudley Hill at Shaw Hall Bank Road.

Brennan has the option of making changes to his side — Danny Earley, set to switch from Oldham St Anne’s, may come into the picture if the paperwork is complete in time — as he seeks to improve on aspects which weren’t quite up to scratch.

“We have got a lot of lads not playing who are good enough to get in the side and do a good job, so that keeps everyone on their toes,” said Brennan.

“It is a local derby so we will just have to keep our composure and improve on last week.

“Against Dudley Hill, we got in the right areas to attack but just came up short at times. We have worked on that and hopefully it will show.”

St Anne’s take on familiar foes Eastmoor Dragons (2.30pm) at Higginshaw Road in confident mood following a positive pre-season.

Coach Mick Cashin, now assisted in preparing the first team by Neil Flanagan, hopes to start the division two season with a bang having got together a settled squad.

“We have had nobody leave to the professional game, which has been a positive in comparison to recent seasons,” Cashin said.

“We have had a full squad able to train and it has gone well, so we are hopeful of getting off to a good start.

“Eastmoor are a good side who I expect to be up there once the table settles down after Christmas.

“It would be great to get a win under our belts.”

Waterhead start their season away from home at Stanley Rangers (2.30pm), but are set to travel there significantly under strength due to the wedding of stand-off Terry Fitzgerald.

Paul Geener will take the depleted team in the absence this week of coach Mick Slicker.

MATTHEW CHAMBERS’ Guide to the local amateur rugby league season:

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