Young Roughyeds need support

Oldham assistant coach Lee Spencer is urging the town to get behind the Roughyeds’ young players in their final push for promotion.

The average age of 14 of the 17 players who won at Oxford on Sunday was 21 and Spencer believes that, despite their youth, they are good enough to go all the way in Championship One.

Currently in second place, six points clear of third-placed Hemel, Oldham will hit top spot for the first time if they beat South Wales Scorpions at Whitebank on Sunday to make it nine wins from their last 11 league outings.

Spencer says that promotion is within the club’s grasp, but also adds that it is not just down to the players and that the fans have a big part to play.

He said, “We are building for the future, but money is tight and we could do so much more if we had more Oldham people coming through the turnstiles to support a team which they can be proud of.

“The town is steeped in rugby league, but that isn’t reflected in Whitebank attendances even though we have a realistic chance of pushing for promotion and the boys are proud to be wearing the Oldham jersey.

“We truly think we are on the verge of something big, and I think the stay-away supporters would see that if they came to look for themselves.”

“I’m not holding out a begging bowl; I’m merely flying the flag for a team of young, fit, talented athletes who have done us proud already this year and who rightly deserve the town’s backing as they stretch out to attain their season-long goals over the last few laps.”