Victory roar!

Photo: Darren Robinson

Chairman Chris Hamilton: jubilant as Roughyeds win promotion

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TAKE a bow Oldham Rugby League Club — the toast of the town!

The roaring Roughyeds beat Keighley Cougars 31-20 to clinch promotion to the Championship in front of a record attendance at Whitebank of 1,405 spectators.

It was Oldham’s 14th consecutive win and ended a painful run of six final defeats in the last eight years. They now sit just one tier below Super League — the British sport’s top division.

Speaking immediately after the Roughyeds’ greatest day in its 18-year history, chairman Chris Hamilton said: “It’s an occasion to savour. It’s been so long in coming. This year the way the lads have performed has been absolutely outstanding.

“It’s not only a fantastic achievement, but to do it at home in front of all the people who have been with us through thick and thin, it just puts the top hat on it. I’m just so very, very proud.”

Hamilton would not reveal where the Roughyeds will play next season in the Championship — Whitebank has already been ruled unsuitable. An announcement will be made soon.

Some Oldham supporters are hoping for a return to Latics at SportsDirect.com Park to reap the benefits of the new North Stand, which is nearing completion.

Hamilton added: “We’ve just got to work through the final bits now, but it’s about enjoying the moment.”