THE success of, and the world-wide interest in, the Oldham RL Heritage certificate scheme was one of the main points to emerge from this week’s meeting of Roughyeds and their Partners.
Fourteen certificates were distributed on the pitch at half-time when we beat Hunslet in our 20th and final home game of the season to qualify for this Sunday’s play-off derby with Rochdale Hornets at the Crown Oil Arena, kick-off 1pm to suit staff availability at their end.
May we take this opportunity to remind fans of the ticketing situation at Rochdale and to advise purchase of tickets online ASAP to avoid disappointment because the initial capacity is set at 954. (see updated capacity)
It would be advisable also to get there in good time because the car park at the Crown Oil Arena fills up fast and we are certainly expecting what can be described as a “capacity” crowd !
Anyway, back to the Partners Meeting.
More than 80 past players in total have now had certificates, some of which have gone to the other side of the world. Only a few hundred to go now!
Handed out on Sunday were certificates to Danny Bridge, Terry Flanagan, Phil Joy, Tommy Leyland jnr, Geoff Munro, Damian Munro, Gareth Owen and Mick Worrall and to the relatives of the late John Blair, Eric Fitzsimons, Bill Flanagan, Kevin Flanagan, Tommy Leyland snr and Sid Rix, one of our international stars of the 1920s team.
Mark Flanagan, the former Saints, Wigan and Salford star, was in the line-up to get his uncle Kevin’s certificate.
Mike Turner told the Partners Meeting: “It is creating lots of interest world-wide and only good can come from that. It’s great to see players getting their certificates on the pitch and I’m sure the fans like that too.”
As we’ve now played our last home game of the season, efforts will be made to present more certificates at close-season events when we all get together, players and fans.
Watch this website for times, dates, venues etc.
The Heritage Association also has a mini-exhibition running at Gallery Oldham, which has been extended to next April, such is its popularity.
The Players’ Association is inextricably linked with the Heritage Certificate programme, for obvious reasons, and paid-up membership now stands at 52 and is constantly rising.
Several members will be at the Rochdale play-off game on Sunday and some may join the YEDS’ Supporters’ Club’s trip to Micky Edwards’s bar in Great Harwood, near Blackburn next month.
The Players’ Association has a social event at Springhead Sports and Social Club on Friday, December 2, but their next major event is their annual dinner at St Herbert’s on Broadway on Friday night, October 14. Paul Sculthorpe will be guest speaker and there will be an MC and a comedian plus, of course, a great meal.
Tickets, priced at £35, are going fast so ring Joe Warburton or John Watkins if you wish to go.
The YEDS Supporters, represented by Pete Dawson and Dave Thomas, were invited to the last Players’ meeting where Pete talked about YEDS and their enthusiasm at the thought of being involved alongside all the other rugby league groups in town.
Also present at the Partners meeting, chaired by Oldham RLFC chairman Christopher Hamilton, was club ambassador Adrian Alexander, Phil Bradbury from the Oldham Amateur League; Joe Warburton from the Players Assn; Councillor Ros Birch; and Mike Kivlin (chairman) and Ian Wilson (secretary) from Rugby Oldham, the Supporters’ Trust.
Phil said the Amateur League’s Championship Final between Higginshaw and Waterhead ‘A’ would take place on either Saturday, October 8 or Sunday, October9, at either Oldham RU or Saddleworth Rangers, details to be confirmed later.
Details about the junior finals would also be announced later.
Because of Covid etc, Rugby Oldham has had only virtual annual meetings in recent times, but it will have a “real” agm this year on Thursday, September 29 at the Fox and Pine, starting at 8pm.
All are welcome, but non-members are urged to join on the night for £10 (£5 concessions).
On behalf of Roughyeds, Chris Hamilton said he had a dialogue with the Council chief executive Harry Catherall and it was good to see a large civic representation at the Hunslet game, headed by The Worshipful The Mayor of Oldham. Councillor Elaine Garry and the deputy leader, Councillor Elaine Taylor.
He thanked the Roughyeds ambassador, Adrian Alexander and his wife Ginny, a former Mayor, for the part they played in fostering relations between club and council.
Next meetings:
Players’ Association, Monday, October 3, 7.45pm at Springhead Sports and Social Club.
Partners Meeting: Tuesday, October 4, 12.30pm at the Oldham Event Centre, Boundary Park.
