Roughyeds' annual Law Cup clash is back

Roughyeds have confirmed that the annual Law Cup pre-season clash with Rochdale Hornets will take place at the Vestacare Stadium on January 29 (3pm kick off).

Oldham will be looking to snatch back the trophy in the 70th instalment of the fixture, which has not been played since 2020 for various reasons.

Rochdale Hornets currently hold the trophy having won 18-12, but both sides that took to the field three years ago are now totally different propositions.

Two players who featured in that game have switched sides in Lewis Sheridan, who scored a try for Hornets in that victory, and Dave Hewitt, who is now with the Hornets.

Admission prices will be £16 for adults, £5 for students (with proof of ID) and FREE for under 16s.

For seating, there is a £1 upgrade charge for adults and students, with a £3 charge to under-16s due to the limited availability of seats.

Oldham's new-boys Pat Ah Van, Jordan Paga, Deane Meadows et al will be looking to nail down a place in the squad, with the game just three weeks before the 2023 League One season kicks off.

Head coach Stuart Littler said: “It’s big for our fans and big for Rochdale fans being a local derby.

"There’s a trophy attached to it - it’s still a pre-season game but it’s an important one for both clubs and there’s no hiding from that.

“Whenever Rochdale and Oldham meet it’s a big occasion, so I’m delighted to get this one over the line and get the Law Cup resurrected.

“Hopefully we can get some fans in and get the crowd behind and get the Vestacare rocking on that day and come back with some silverware at the end of pre-season.”

The Law Cup, originally the Infirmaries Cup, is named after the Rochdale MP A J Law who, back in 1921, put up the cup for a pre-season game in order to raise money for hospitals in the two towns.

Since the inaugural fixture, which ended in a 0-0 draw, there have been 69 meetings, with Roughyeds winning 46 to Rochdale’s 21.

A separate trophy, presented by the Oldham RL Heritage Trust since 2004, will be handed out to Oldham’s Player of the Match.

Over the last ten years, the average winning margin has been just nine points, so it promises to be an entertaining affair.

Tickets can be purchased at Oldham's ticketing site, or alternatively fans can pay on the day.

Matchday hospitality is available at £30 per head.

Please call the office on 07904 898177 or email: enquiries@roughyeds.co.uk to book.

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