ROUGHYEDS will return to Boundary Park this Wednesday night for the first time since 2009.
What proved to be the last game was a 54-30 play-off victory over Hunslet on September 20 in Championship One in front of a crowd of 801.
The club is on course to better that figure with encouraging ticket sales for both standard and corporate tickets for Wednesday’s game, since it was announced on August 9.
The side that took to the field back in 2009 included the likes of Neil Roden who made 295 appearances for the club as well as Lucas Onyango who scored 73 tries in 108 appearances across a five-year spell at Oldham.
The aforementioned Roden scored his 100th Oldham try in the Championship One Grand Final against Keighley – just a few weeks after the Hunslet game – in what proved to be the club’s third consecutive play-off final loss.
Since then, Roughyeds have played at the likes of Sedgley Park as well as Bower Fold and, most recently, the Vestacare Stadium.
But on Wednesday night, fans will get their first taste of what is to come after the club secured its long-term future at Boundary Park back in March thanks to £1m investment into a new hybrid pitch, as well as a revived, burgeoning relationship between Latics and Roughyeds.
Assistant coach Brendan Sheridan, who has been at the club for four seasons and never missed a training session during that period, believes the move is massive.
“Mike (Ford), the Board and Oldham Athletic, have managed to come up with this golden nugget for us, because it will be our home next year.
“It’s a massive event for the club and for the players because some have never played there, and it’s a big stage for us to showcase what we’re about.”
Currently fourth in League One, Roughyeds have secured a play-off place and should any knock-out games be at home, they will also be at Boundary Park.
Playing an attractive and attacking rugby brand, Roughyeds have produced some eye-catching performances this year.
Of the sides in the play-offs, Oldham have the best attack and the second best defence just behind Hunslet who, at this moment, are the team to beat.
Looking to go one better than that 2009 year are the class of 2023 which include the likes of Jordan Paga, Zac Baker, Kian Morgan, Connor Carr – who have all been impressive this season – as well as a strong core of experienced heads players including Gregg McNally, Pat Ah Van, Martyn Ridyard, Luke Nelmes, Emmerson Whittel.
After a dip in form, three losses in four, Stuart Littler was relieved of head coaching duties with managing director Mike Ford stepping into the role on an interim basis.
Roughyeds, for the last month or so, have had to do without the banned Jordan Paga who, since signing from Hunslet ahead of this season, has been a revelation.
He also will make his return on Wednesday after serving his four-game ban which he picked up against Doncaster back in June.
With Workington looking to finish higher than fifth – to avoid the play-off eliminator – and Oldham seeking third for a home tie, Wednesday night’s game could well be a cracker.
Fans will be situated in the Joe Royle Stand and tickets are priced at £16 for adults, £10 for concessions, £5 for students and free for under-16s.
Corporate hospitality is also available and is priced at £25 per person which includes a match ticket, pie and peas as well as a Q&A session with John Fieldhouse, who was part of the 1989/90 Second Division Premiership Final-winning side that beat Hull KR 30-29 at Old Trafford.
Tickets for the game, as well as hospitality, can be purchased from our on-line shop.
