Rest of July absolutely vital

07/07/2024

Match News

We had no game today, but a reminder that each of the other Sundays in July will be vitally important in our quest to finish top and go up automatically.

We have EIGHT games left, six of them at home — and that could prove decisive in the neck-and-neck race with Keighley Cougars to end up as champions. Every game is a ‘must win’ match, but the next three in July are especially relevant for the reasons outlined here, writes ROGER HALSTEAD.

Next Sunday, July 14, we are at home to North Wales Crusaders — and those with good memories will recall how they knocked us out of the 2023 play-offs here and how we snatched a terribly tight affair 25-24 at their place a week or two back thanks only to Danny Craven’s last-gasp drop goal with seconds remaining. We got there in the end — just — but next week’s rematch here at Boundary Park will need no selling that’s for sure.

Seven days later we are at home again to Keighley in arguably the biggest game of the season and on July 28 we go to Rochdale, who are currently third in the table and who, by all accounts, have made some good signings recently and are playing out of their skins.

Throw in the fact that there were four ex-Oldham players in their ranks when they smashed Hunslet 48-18 at the South Leeds Stadium last time out, and that derby games bring out special qualities, and this is a game in which only the Roughyeds’ best will suffice

July will, indeed, be a landmark month for Roughyeds and one that will make or mar our more immediate ambitions. We need you all more than ever this month, starting next Sunday at BP so please make a special effort to be there for what should be a very good game against the men from Colwyn Bay. We owe them one, that’s for sure !

Talking of tight games, all Oldham fans will have been following today’s Keighley v Rochdale clash at Cougar Park. Only three games were scheduled for this afternoon and, with Sean Long’s men having a blank, the meet-up of 2 v 3 (Keighley v Hornets) was of particular interest. If Keighley win they will go back to the top of the table with two more points than Oldham, who will have a game in hand and, significantly, a much better points differential.

It’s as close as that at the top — roll on Oldham v Keighley !


Cian Tyrer’s contract extension and the invitation to several local boys to train with the Roughyeds is good news for Oldham and further proof that everything is moving in the right direction. Things are on the up. Well done to all concerned !

Next Match
York

Boundary Park, Oldham

16th Feb 2025 | 3.00pm
Get Tickets

ORLFC Hospitality

Fantastic Experiences
Dinner, Drinks & Match in your own private box at Oldham RLFC.

Join an Exclusive Group

The 1876 Club
Exclusive private members club.

Match Preview

Close
Close

Match Report

Close
Close