Long keen to rearrange postponed Law Cup clash

The ‘match off’ decision relative to Oldham’s game at Rochdale for the Law Cup was a bitter disappointment for everyone in the Roughyeds ‘camp, not least coach Sean Long and his squad.

“The players were chomping at the bit to play,” said Oldham managing director Mike Ford.

“We could have potentially played on Monday evening, but the pitch won’t be ready until mid-week so that was out.

"Hornets suggested next Wednesday, but they have no game next weekend while we are at home to Halifax in the group stage of the 1895 Cup.

“We are now looking for a window, but because of the demands on both clubs of the Challenge Cup and the 1895 Cup it isn’t easy.

"Sean (Long) is keen to play it and we will certainly do our best, but if we do well in both cups it may be difficult to fit it in.

"We will do all we can. of course, and we will certainly keep our fans updated."

Added Long: “For now it’s all ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’.

"We are talking about silverware here and, of course, I want to play it. So do the lads.

"The Law Cup is very important, but we need a window so we will have to see what happens.

"Talks with Rochdale are continuing.”

Said Elijah Taylor, one of many big-name signings to join new-look Oldham: “We are doing a lot of training and we want to be playing.

"The win at Keighley on Boxing Day was all very well, but we need to be playing now on a regular basis.

"Everything is going briliantly in training, but we can’t wait to get cracking on the field of play, I’ll tell you.”

Ten pre-season friendlies were scheduled for this weekend, including Keighley v Halifax, who have signed former Great Britain international stand-off Gareth Widdop, a Halifax boy who emigrated to Australia as a 12-year-old and made it big in the NRL and, internationally, for England and Great Britain.

As a boy growing up in Halifax, Gareth dreamed of the day he might play for the Panthers.

He thought it would never happen when his family took him 12,000 miles to the other side of the world but 22 years later Widdop has returned “home” – and his signing for The Shay club has been described as a “monumental moment” for the club.

Widdop, who wasn’t expected to play at Cougar Park, could well make his Panthers debut at Boundary Park next Sunday. January 28, kick-off 3pm.

No wonder the new Joe Royle stand, with its ultra-modern facilities, is likely to be rocking and rolling next Sunday with fans from both sides of the Pennines.

This is what Hornets had to say in a message to all who had bought tickets for the ill-fated Law Cup clash:

“Good afternoon,

Firstly, the club would like to thank you for purchasing a ticket for tomorrow’s match against Oldham RLFC in the Law Cup.

Through the week, we have been in close conversation with Rochdale AFC & Oldham RLFC about the possibility of the match going ahead, and have mutually monitored the weather forecast and position of the pitch.

Yesterday, we invited the FA & RFL match officials to inspect the pitch and to take their independent view in regards to the pitch suitability for Saturday & Sunday. Despite all efforts being made to protect the pitch it is still deeply frozen beneath the protective covers and despite temperatures set to rise today and tomorrow it will remain unplayable until the middle of next week.

The safety of our players, staff, and fans is our absolute priority, so after careful consideration we have made the difficult decision to call the game OFF. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding in this matter.

A further update will be issued during the week, with details of a potential rearranged date.

The club would like to place its thanks on record to the Oldham RLFC, Rochdale AFC & the Rugby Football League for their support during this time.

Thank you for your support to our club and community.”

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