MATCH PREVIEW: VS OLDHAM RLFC – LAW CUP

Rochdale Hornets will be aiming to retain the Law Cup against Oldham at the Vestacare Stadium on Sunday

For the first time since 2020, Rochdale and Oldham meet for the 70th instalment of the Law Cup. 

Rochdale go into the derby as holders of the cup, after winning the last battle 18-12 at the Crown Oil Arena.

Overview

Game: Oldham RLFC v Rochdale Hornets

Competition: Law Cup

Date: Sunday 29 January

Kick-off: 15:00

Venue: Vestacare Stadium 

ROCHDALE HORNETS

Hornets will be aiming to secure their first win of pre-season, after losing 46-6 at Widnes Vikings in their return to action almost two weeks ago. 

Plenty of positives were on show from Gary Thornton's new-look Rochdale side despite defeat, as new signing Tommy Porter crossed for Hornets' first try of 2023.

The red, white and blue will be aiming to retain the Law Cup, after winning the last clash 18-12 back in 2020.

OLDHAM 

Local rivals Oldham are also looking for their first win of pre-season, after losing 42-20 to Widnes at the Vestacare Stadium last weekend.

Despite leading 14-12 at the break, Vikings proved to be too strong for Oldham as Adam Lawton scored a hat-trick of tries for the Championship side.  

Roughyeds finished one place and nine points behind Rochdale in League 1 last season, in which they were eliminated by Hornets in the Elimination Play-Off. 

LAST TIME OUT

Hornets faced Oldham three times in 2022 - twice in the regular season and once in the Elimination Play-Off.

The last derby between the two sides finished 38-24 in favour of Rochdale at the Crown Oil Arena, with Cian Tyrer and Connor Aspey amongst the tries for Hornets. 

Thornton's side were victorious in the two meetings in the regular season, winning 34-18 on home soil and 50-24 on the road. 

TEAM NEWS

Thornton has included new signings Connor Ratcliffe and Anthony Bowman in the 23-man squad.  

Hornets full 23-man squad: Purcell, Tyrer, Cooke, O'Keefe, Else, Hewitt, Braham, Berry, Killan, Brewin, Straugheir, Aspey, Roden, O'Hanlon, Boardman, Arnold, Clarke, Harrison, Connolly, Brannan, Forber, Bowman and Ratcliffe.

Oldham head coach Stuart Littler has named former Hornets Zac Baker, Gregg McNally, Lewis Sheridan and Joe Taira in his 23-man squad.  

TICKETING INFORMATION

Tickets for Sunday's match can be bought online through Oldham here.

Pay on the day is also available, with admission prices as follows: £16 for adults, £5 for students and FREE for under 16s.