Hornets welcome Oldham for Law Cup clash

Hornets welcome Oldham for Law Cup clash

Rochdale Hornets continue their preparations for the 2016 season on Sunday, as the Law Cup returns to Spotland with the visit of local rivals Oldham.

It will be 25 seasons since the two clubs contested the pre-season showpiece in front of a record crowd of 8,150 on Boxing Day, with players from that game being invited to Spotland as special guests.

Rochdale were victorious on that day, however Oldham are the holders of the cup after they won 24-22 the last time it was contested back in 2013.

Hornets had a valuable outing last weekend against Super League side Salford Red Devils, leading 12-0 early on before the top flight side rallied late on to record a 44-16 victory.

“I’m very satisfied,” commented head coach Alan Kilshaw. “It’s our first hit-out and the first time some of these lads have played since August.

“We started really well, which we asked them to. 12-0 could have been 18-0 had we not dropped the ball over the line.

“They brought a bigger squad and made a lot more changes than us. Like I said in the week it wasn’t about the result, it was about getting some miles into their legs.”

Despite the final score line there are a lot of positives for Hornets to take into the derby clash with the Roughyeds, as they attempt to win back the Law Cup.

Kilshaw will be looking for a similar performance from his men with a few small improvements, as his new look squad continue to gel.

He said: “I think we have to keep our intensity high and try and play at the same intensity again.

“I didn’t think there were many sets when we didn’t make metres with the ball. If we can do that, learn from a couple of the mistakes we made and build on what we did we will put in another good performance.”

Dave Cookson had a debut to remember for his hometown club, as he picked up the man-of-the-match award for his two-try display.

The 27-year-old comes up against his former club next and is relishing the chance to represent his town against their fierce rivals.

"I've played with some of the Oldham lads for a long time and I've got a lot of really good friends there, staff and players,” said Cookson.

"To now be the opposition, at the same time as playing for my home town team in a competitive local derby, will be an exhilarating experience that I can't wait to get stuck in to."

After a year away from the sport he is raring to go with the 2016 campaign and is determined to give his all to the club.

"Having a break from rugby has really helped me and done me a massive favour," he continued.

"I've kept fit, rested my body and got my enthusiasm back for the game, and I'm really looking forward to the start of the season.

"I want to get stuck in as a Rochdale player and show the Rochdale Hornets fans what I can do and hopefully help them to achieve their goals."

Hornets take on Oldham Roughyed on Sunday, 3pm kick off at Spotland Stadium with the Law Cup at stake.

Entry at the turnstile costs £13 adults, £10 concessions and just £1 for children.