17/07/2024
THERE was further evidence in the role Oldham RLFC is playing in building relationships with the local amateur game when Saddleworth under-12s played Rochdale Mayfield under-12s in that age group's local final at Boundary Park yesterday as a curtain-raiser to the Oldham v North Wales Crusaders game, which Oldham won 32-6 to go back to the top of Betfred League One.
It was the perfect result for Roughyeds, for whom new signing Kieran Dixon scored two tries and kicked four goals on debut, who are at home again this coming Sunday to second-placed Keighley Cougars in what could be the match of the season.
But back to yesterday's curtain raiser – a triumph for the Oldham boys over the Rochdale lads, a triumph for Oldham Athletic's avowed intent to make Boundary Park a hub for local sport generally, and a triumph also for Roughyeds, who are committed to promoting the local game as much as they can, writes ROGER HALSTEAD.
Saddleworth had the official boy of the match in prop-forward Lukah Byram while second-rower Harold Thompson scored two tries and also caught the eye.
Byram is John's lad and a member of the well-known local rugby league family of that name.
The game was watched by Joe Warburton, the man who runs the Oldham Pathway programme for Roughyeds, backed by the RFL.
Oldham trained at Waterhead one night last week – further proof of the growing links with the local amateur clubs.