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Try-hungry Oldham aim for 1895 triumph

In-form Oldham will be seeking their fifth win in a row when attention switches to the new 1895 Cup in the coming weekend.

Having scored an astonishing 37 tries in their last four outings, Roughyeds look forward to entertaining fellow Betfred League 1 side Doncaster at the Vestacare Stadium this Sunday, June 2 (3pm kick-off) in the second round of the 1895 Cup.

Of the four League 1 teams in round two, Roughyeds are the only one to enjoy a home tie.

Moreover, they are paired with one of their own third-tier quartet . . . how good is that ?

This good fortune in the draw, of course, only becomes worthwhile if club, team, coaching staff and fans convert it into a positive experience with a positive outcome, such as qualification into the last eight.

If that were to happen, Roughyeds would be only two games from the Holy Grail that will be Wembley on Saturday, August 24.

Donny, who beat West Wales 54-0 on Sunday to end a run of three successive defeats, will come to the Vestacare with all guns blazing and boasting the joint second-best defensive record in the division.

Round two pairings:

Sunday, June 2 (all 3pm): Batley Bulldogs v Rochdale Hornets; Dewsbury Rams v Swinton Lions; Leigh Centurions v Workington Town; OLDHAM v Doncaster; York City Knights v Newcastle Thunder.

Wednesday, June 5 (all 8pm): Barrow Raiders v Bradford Bulls; Halifax v Sheffield Eagles; Widnes Vikings v Featherstone Rovers.

At face value Scott Naylor's men have the best chance of flying the flag for League 1 in the next round, but to see off Doncaster's challenge they'll have to take their league form into Sunday's knock-out tie which is a split gate, all-pay match.

After the latest round of league games, Roughyeds remain third with easily the best attacking figures of the lot  --- 322 points at an average of more than 35 points a game.

Newcastle (286) are next best, then come Hunslet on 254.

Defensively, leaders Whitehaven have conceded fewest (138), followed by Hunslet and Doncaster on 160 and Oldham on 164.

Oldham are the only side with a three-figure difference between points scored and conceded (158) and in a tight division points difference could well be worth an extra league point in the final scramble for places.

For the next few days, though, it's all about the 1895 Cup and Roughyeds will be hoping their current league form, and the expansive brand of rugby they're now producing, will encourage fans to turn out in numbers to cheer their favourites into the last eight.

By Roger Halstead

 

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