Oldham bemused by late call-off

OLDHAM RUFC’s first-team match against Aldwinians on Saturday was postponed in controversial circumstances.

With both teams stripped and ready for action, Oldham claim the Aldwinians coach pointed to a particularly muddy area of the Manor Park pitch and said he wouldn’t allow his team to play on it.

But while that game didn’t go ahead Oldham seconds and Leigh thirds - who had been set to play on an adjoining pitch - switched to the first-team surface without problems.

Aldwinians press officier Trevor Hulmes said: “I am not aware that the referee (for the first-team game) said the pitch was fit. I know they put plenty of sand on it but the decision to call it off was made by senior playing staff.”

An exasperated Oldham spokesman said: “Since when has mud been a problem for rugby players?“