03/06/2024
ON the back of Danny Craven’s last-gasp drop-goal winner at Colwyn Bay, OLDHAM are thrilled also to announce that their Rise Pathway programme, designed for ALL youngsters under the auspices of the RFL, has made a memorable start.
In the last few days, more than 150 boys, aged from 11 to 16 inclusive, have represented Oldham at Cadishead against Salford Red Devils and the boys in their Pathway programme.
To be precise, 153 boys were there from Oldham as follows: under-11 (34), under-12 (22), under-13 (29), under-14 (29), under-15 (21), under-16 (18) – a fabulous effort.
Said man-in-charge Joe Warburton:
“This is just the start – the tip of the iceberg. We are going to build on this success by inviting more players, coaches and volunteers to get involved in the Pathway programme. Our next round of games will hopefully be in July. The lads look very smart in their Oldham playing kits.”
Sadly, Salford were badly hit by injury, sickness and holidays, but 153 Oldham boys were there and had the opportunity to wear their specially-sponsored Oldham kit.
Oldham extend special thanks to the kit sponsors, H Mullaney and Son (skip hire) of Mossley and County End Electrical NW Ltd of Lees for their support, both financially and otherwise.
A meeting will be held at Heyside Cricket Club next Monday, June 10 at 7pm, aimed specifically at coaches and volunteer assistants who would like to get involved, writes ROGER HALSTEAD.
You can ring Joe on 07882848340 or email him at: joewarby9@aol.com for any matter relating to Pathway.
Under-12s: This squad has been coached for several weeks by Jack Burns and Nick Johnson from Waterhead, but Johnson was unable to get there on this day so when the squad of 22 was split into two sections , one was coached by Burns and the other by Joe Warburton. All 22 got on the field at some point in three 15-minute sessions.
Under-13s: Took 29, and In a four-team round robin, Oldham fielded three teams and Salford one. Each Oldham player got an hour of rugby and Oldham looked good on both attack and defence.
Under-14s: We took 29 players to Salford but, like the under-13s, the home side was hit by injury, sickness and holidays and a lot of their lads couldn't play. We split our squad into three teams of nine and played Salford in a skills-based round robin. We then had two 15-minute games against Salford and won them both. Coaches John Lowther and Anthony Dexter (St Anne’s) were happy with everyone.
Under-15s: Oldham had 21 Year 10 boys present to Salford’s 31. Salford fielded two teams, Red and also Whites. Oldham had one team, but rotated their players. The game was split into five ten-minute periods, Oldham scoring seven tries to Salford’s three with two from Robert Steel (St Anne’s) and one apiece by Carlo Whittaker (St Anne’s), Matthew Leach (Mayfield), Alfie Johnson (Mayfield), Callum Abbott (Accrington Wildcats) and Kaydyn Murray(St Anne’s).
Said Warburton;
“We scored some great tries, but defended well too. The big thing about this side was the camaraderie of players from different clubs. They have been well coached by Casey Mayberry of St Anne’s and by Adam Pirouzan of Mayfield. It was fabulous to see so many Oldham boys there in all those different age groups. This is what the future is all about.
“The under-15s game was marred by injury to Oldham forward Ben O’Leary, who snapped his collar-bone while making a tackle. He went to hospital with his parents and he is now waiting for surgery. He has all our best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.”