Women in cup action at Netpar this Sunday

Roughyeds Women have their first taste of competitive rugby this Sunday as they take on Widnes Vikings in the Challenge Shield.

Ben Marsden's side came up just short in a narrow 24-18 loss to championship side Sheffield in their final pre-season game at the start of March.

And they will face another tough encounter at Netpar for the 2pm kick-off, with Widnes having won promotion to the championship last year.

The Vikings have recorded one win and one loss in pre-season, delivering an emphatic 44–4 victory over Wigan St Patricks before falling to a 32–6 defeat against fellow Championship side Swinton Lionesses.

There will be a new face in the Roughyeds' side this weekend with Lily-May Gray set to make her debut for the club.

Gray has plenty of rugby league experience, having competed for Salford Red Devils last year who finished fourth in the Championship.

Head coach Marsden has made a number of other changes to the squad with Emma Simpson and Amy Ashmore – who started on the bench in the Sheffield defeat – promoted to the starting 13.

Jaymie Hampson-Phow and Ella Wheeler move to the interchanges and are joined by the returning Ann Marie Challoner and Nicola Robinson.

Ex Salford star Gray also earns a spot on the bench for the game against Widnes.

Squad in full: 1. Megan Hobin, 2. Sinead Fletcher, 3. Ashleigh Hoyle, 4. Megan Farnhill, 5. Rosie Moorcroft, 6. Holly Coburn, 7. Faye Leddy, 8. Darcey Price, 9. Kadie Ashworth, 10. Laura Thorley, 11. Emma Simpson, 12. Amy Ashmore, 13. Katie Stephens, 14. Jaymie Hampson-Phow 15. Lily-May Gray, 16. Ann Marie Challoner, 17. Nicola Robinson, 18. Ellie Armstrong, 19. Hannah McAndrew.

An Oldham win would see the side progress to the second round of the competition, but a loss would not see the end of their cup campaign.

Each side which tastes defeat this weekend will instead compete in the Challenge Plate.

Whether Oldham are victorious or not, they will face an away trip to either Wakefield or North Wales Crusaders on March 29.

Entry is free for all with donations welcome. Cash and card donations will be accepted on the day.

Venue details:
Netpar Training Centre
Fields New Road
Chadderton
OL9 8NH