Women take on Sheffield this Sunday at Netpar

Roughyeds Women are back in action this Sunday, playing their second match at Netpar Training Centre as they take on Sheffield Eagles in a pre-season friendly.

Ben Marsden’s side will be aiming to make it two wins from two, following a dominant 58–0 victory over Keighley Cougars, ahead of the league campaign set to get underway in April.

And head coach Marsden has named a similar squad with Jaymie Hampson-Phow – who scored a try in the Cougars win – promoted to the starting line-up, while Nicola Robinson is included on the bench for the first time.

Winger Sinead Fletcher bagged a brace in the Keighley win and is eager to run out again at Netpar on Fields New Road this Sunday.

“We are going to put on a big show this weekend,” she said.

I am very excited and looking forward to showing what we can do in front of our spectators.

Playing (at Netpar) gives us a massive boost and makes us protective over our team as nobody wants to lose on their home ground.

We couldn’t have asked for a better start, we all played really well, but I think we are going to face some big challenges against Sheffield Eagles.

They may have some tricks up their sleeve – they are an established team and have been going for a long time.

We all work together and show up as a team at training, so I am not worried in that respect. They have a few more experienced players on their side, but so do we, and we will see how it goes on Sunday.”

This will be the proper challenge before we actually hit the cup, so I am excited for that.”

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. Jaymie Hampson-Phow, 12. Ella Wheeler, 13. Katie Stephens, 14. Emma Simpson, 15. Amy Ashmore, 16. Rhys Morgan, 17. Nicola Robinson, 18. Ellie Armstrong, 19. Hannah McAndrew, 20. Millie McAndrew, 21. Ella Snape.

They will face the Sheffield Eagles A side, who will compete in the Development League this season, while the club’s first team plays in the Championship.

Following Sunday’s game, which is a 2pm kick-off, Oldham face a stern test in the Championship Shield having been drawn at home against Widnes Vikings.

The Vikings secured promotion from League One to the Championship last year in emphatic fashion, winning 14 of their 15 matches.

A victory for Roughyeds would see them progress to round two, while defeat would place them in the Challenge Plate, with fixtures scheduled for the following week.

Tickets for Sunday’s encounter with Sheffield are priced at £5 for adults, with season ticket holders and under-16s free.

Cash and card payments will be accepted on the day, with no advance tickets available. Season ticket holders are asked to present their pass to gain free admission.

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