DESPITE the home defeat by Keighley Cougars, Oldham RLFC chairman Chris Hamilton said there were several positives to emerge from events at the Vestacare Stadiumon the opening day of the Betfred League One season.
To start with, Chris and vice-chairman John Roddy were highly encouraged by the attendance of 815, especially as it was Mothers Day and the game was streamed on the RFL’s Our League channel.
The club is aiming for 1,000 at each of its ten home league games and although the Keighley attendance fell short of that, there was a great atmosphere generated by a nearly full stand with lots of fans on the other side and plenty more at both ends.
By way of comparison, the 815 surpassed several attendances at Stalybridge last year in the Betfred Championship, including the visits by Widnes (600), Sheffield Eagles (475), Bradford Bulls (650), Toulouse (743) and Newcastle (723).
Said chairman Chris Hamilton:
“A lot of people put in a lot of work to get that attendance and John (vice-chairman Roddy) and I want to thank them for their efforts as well as thanking all the people who made up the crowd.
“It looked good, it sounded good, so a big thank-you to everyone who supported us on the day. We really appreciate the backing.
“We had lots of off-the-field activities going on and we were really pleased with the way all that went, particularly with the numbers who came from the Higginshaw and Saddleworth clubs to watch their respective under-9s, who did a curtain-raiser, had a lap of honour at half-time and also did flag-carrying for us.
“I’m sure they enjoyed it. We certainly enjoyed having them here. Their enthusiasm, not only for their curtain-raiser, but also for everything else that was going on, was great to see.
“We’ll be continuing to work hard in the community, not only to help and to do good out there, but to try and improve our gates as the season unfolds.”
The next game at the Vestacare Stadium is on Sunday, April 10 against West Wales Raiders, kicking off at 3pm.
