Bulldogs fit the bill in Challenge chase

HANDOVER . . .Geoff Cooke, chairman of Rugby Oldham, presents the Rugby Oldham Challenge Trophy to David Hughes (centre), head coach of Fitton Hill, and club chairman John Hughes.

RUGBY LEAGUE: FITTON Hill Bulldogs carried off the Rugby Oldham Challenge Trophy for the first time.

Showing plenty of bite in the North-West Men’s League, the Bulldogs beat Waterhead Warriors to the first prize, which is presented to the side with the best playing record over the season.

Waterhead Warriors, Oldham St Anne’s, Saddleworth Rangers, Higginshaw and Fitton Hill vied for the coveted piece of silverware.

On the individual playing front, Dale Lowe was named Man of Steel.

It was the third occasion the Saddleworth Rangers hooker had picked up the award. Lowe received £500 for his efforts.

The Rugby Oldham Challenge Trophy and Man of Steel gongs were presented at the premises of local builders’ merchants and sponsors Jos Parr (Alco), on Higginshaw Lane.

The youth set up at Waterhead were rewarded for another outstanding campaign by claiming the junior trophy.

Final senior club standings ­—

1, Fitton Hill 4.00; 2, Waterhead Warriors 3.10; 3, Hollinwood 3.06; 4, Saddleworth Rangers 1.96; 5, Oldham St Anne’s 1.78; 6, Higginshaw 0.75.

Junior club standings ­—

1, Waterhead Warriors 7.24; 2, Higginshaw 6.89; 3, Oldham St Anne’s 4.66; 4, Saddleworth Rangers 4.64.