THIS weekend sees a return to the 1895 cup and a return home to Boundary Park for Oldham to face rivals Rochdale Hornets.
A win here would see Oldham progress to the knockout stages of the tournament as group winners, but would also give the club local bragging rights heading in to the season.
Coach
In charge at Rochdale is Gary Thornton. Thornton, who made 91 appearances for Batley during the mid 1990s, made the step in to coaching with the Bulldogs in 2003 until 2009 – making him the longest serving coach in the championship at the time.
Before finding his way to Rochdale, Thornton also coached at York, Doncaster and Hunslet. Thornton was named Coach of the Year in 2006 with Batley as well as in 2014 with York in League One.
One to Watch
Having played with Oldham most recently as last season, Martyn Ridyard is well-known at Boundary Park.
Albeit at the latter stages of his career, his Super League experience is invaluable to the Hornets.
He played 250 times for Leigh across Super League and the Championship, as well seven appearances in the top division for Huddersfield.
Martyn will be one of the main catalysts for the club’s hopes and aspirations of gaining promotion this season.
Ridyard is dangerous with the ball in his hands, as much as he is with it at his feet, but is also a strong voice on the pitch.
Recent Form
With the Law Cup friendly being postponed, the Hornets’ only pre-season game saw them travel to Barrow, losing out 46-6.
They started their 1895 Cup campaign at home to Halifax with a 52-12 loss, but did return to winning ways by defeating Midland Hurricanes 24-20 in the Challenge Cup third round.
But, as the age-old adage states, form goes out the window for derby fixtures.
Previous Meetings
Oldham have enjoyed recent success over Rochdale having won three of the last five meetings with Hornets.
They won both league games in 2023 with the first a big score of 56-16 at home, before crossing the motorway to Rochdale to sneak a 24-20 winners there also.
Sean Long’s men will be looking to continue last year’s dominance to remain unbeaten against our neighbours.
