Law Cup returns in 2023

Rochdale Hornets will travel to the Vestacare Stadium to take on local rival Oldham, for the Law Cup, on January 29 as preparations for the 2023 Betfred League 1 campaign continue.

It is the second game to be confirmed for next month after Hornets also agreed a friendly with new Dual Registration partners, Widnes Vikings.

While the Widnes connection is still in its early stages, the Law Cup is a traditional pre-season friendly that dates back as far as 1921 and it is Gary Thornton’s side who will come into January’s contest as the holders.

When the two sides last met for the cup, back in 2020, Rochdale triumphed with an 18-12 victory at the Crown Oil Arena thanks to tries from Andy Lea, Luke Fowden and Lewis Sheridan.

But, after a fair share of comings and goings between the two clubs this winter, Sheridan will be running out for the Roughyeds this time around – along with other former Hornets Zac Baker and Gregg McNally.

That being said, one of Oldham’s try scorers back in 2020 – Dave Hewitt – has made the trip the other way in recent weeks along with Will Cooke and Jack Arnold.

The two sides met three times over the course of 2022 with Hornets triumphing in all of them, but Thornton’s new-look side will know they are in for a stern test when they make the nine-mile trip to the home of their oldest enemy.

Additional information on the 70^th instalment of the Law Cup can be found below:

Vestacare Stadium, Whitebank Road, Oldham, OL8 3JH.

3pm kick-off.

Normal match admission prices apply:

Adults - £16

Students - £5 (on production of valid ID)

Under 16s - free

£1 upgrade for seating (£3 for under 16s due to limited availability of seats).

Tickets will be available online from 7pm on December 7 online here but fans can pay on the day, if they would prefer.

Hospitality is available for £30 per head by calling 07904 898177 or by emailing enquiries@roughyeds.co.uk.

Image by JMSportPix