The Biffs are Coming!
Funny things these Hornets / Oldham derbies. In their own right they're cauldrons of local passion and pride. There are usually a handful of players with points to prove both ways and some bit of simmering resentment that needs ironing out.
But, moreso recently it seems, these games crop up at times when they take on even more than just cock-of-the-walk significance. And Sunday's game is one of them.
After a superb unbeaten start, Hornets' challenge has stalled this last couple of weeks - flooded by a stream of pedantic penalties and cycloptic refereeing. With a penalty count of 31-10 over the last two games, it's seemed like some sort of surreal challenge at times, trying to find a way round officials that have listened too closely to the shouts from the crowd and the voices in their heads.
So a win this Sunday is imperative to get the Hornets bandwagon back on the rails and regain a bit of lost momentum.
Similarly, Steve Molloy will be eager for Oldham's season to catch light. Sputtering, but failing to spark, the Roughyeds have had what can only be described as a 'low-key' start. Indeed, one recent preview of their drawn game at Batley had it billed somewhat prematurely as a 'relegation dogfight'.
And they're becoming a bit used to draws at Boundary Park - having split the spoils in their last two outings. So Sunday's an opportunity for the 'old enemy' to kick start their season too.
All of which adds an extra bit of spice to what is usually an 'emotional encounter' for all parties involved.
Martin Hall will be looking for a more impactful start than we managed at Post Ofice Road - and he could be considering a start for former Oldham winger Chris Irwin as Marlon looks to be suffering a bit of a confidence slump at the moment. Martin will also be hoping that Ian Watson's been able to shake off the knock he took last Sunday. Otherwise, the team will have a familiar look to it - including Radney Bowker at 6.
Steve Molloy's assembled a useful outfit that pivots around halfbacks Gareth Barber and Keith Brennan - ably assisted by hooking dynamo John Hough.
Up front Molloy's joined by big Dane Morgan, while out wide last week's dual try-scorer Gavin Dodd is partnered by loanee Brian... er... Dan Potter.
Overall, the Biffs look better than their 7th place suggests - and we'll have to be on top of our game if we're to make this one count.
And count it must if we are to go into next week's game in hand in a strong position. With Leigh at Hull KR on Sunday too, there's a good chance to keep the pressure on in the top three so, as always, it's a big game for all of us.
The support at Featherstone last week was, again, superb and we'll need to play a blinder of our own again this week if we are to give the lads a vital lift.
With the sleeping Rugby League public of Rochdale somewhat slow in appreciating Hornets' achievements this season, its up to the faithful to spread the word and really get behind our team.
There's nothing like an Oldham game to get the pulse racing - and Sunday will be no different. It'll be an absolute belter - so we'll see you there.
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