Women’s team readying for first match
06/02/2026
Oldham’s women’s team take on Keighley this Sunday, their first match since the side's launch back in August.
The match, scheduled for 11:45am at Cougar Park, will inform head coach Ben Marsden’s preparations ahead of the competitive season, which is scheduled for a late April start.
From the first training session nearly six months ago, the side has progressed at a pace that earned direct admission to Northern League 3, bypassing the RFL Development League that is usually the starting point for newly-formed teams.
And boss Marsden is keen to see his side put their hard work into action.
“We can't wait for this weekend,” he said.
So much work has been put in since our first training session and we're all excited to put what we have learnt so far onto the field on Sunday.
We have players who had never picked up a rugby ball before playing alongside some who have a lot of experience in the game, but the progression of everybody from day one has been amazing.”
Captain Laura Thorley, who also coaches Waterhead under-9s, is equally as excited.
"I can hand on heart say that this team, including all the players, coaching staff, management and physio mean the absolute world to me – they are like a second family.
"We have all gelled together and there is 100% commitment from the girls who are coming on really well.”
Admission for the match, which serves as a curtain raiser to Keighley's cup clash against Midlands, is £5.
Tickets cannot be bought in advance, with cash and card payments accepted at the gate.
Marsden has named a 20-strong squad which will travel to Yorkshire on Sunday:
1. Megan Hobin, 2. Sinead Fletcher, 3. Ashleigh Hoyle, 4. Megan Farnhill, 5. Rosie Moorcoft, 6. Holly Coburn (VC), 7. Faye Leddy, 8. Darcey Price, 9. Kadie Ashworth, 10. Laura Thorley, 11. Emma Simpson, 12. Ella Wheeler, 13. Katie Stephens, 14. Amy Ashmore, 15. Millie McAndrew, 16. Ellie Armstrong, 17. Jaymie Hampson-Phow, 18. Rhys Morgan, 19. Hannah McAndrew, 20. Ann Marie Challoner.
As well as Northern League 3, the women's team will also compete in the Challenge Shield next month, prior to the commencement of the league campaign.
Further details on the women's fixtures will be announced next week.