Rochdale Hornets go head-to-head with Oldham Roughyeds on Bank Holiday Monday

Photo: Jackie Meredith

Rochdale Hornets played out a pulsating draw against Oldham Roughyeds at the Crown Oil Arena in March

Rochdale Hornets and Oldham Roughyeds go head-to-head on Bank Holiday Monday, in one of the most crucial games of the season.

With four games remaining there is no margin for error as the Championship Shield heads towards a tense and exciting climax.

Hornets’ hopes of a top four finish have faded since the rise of Dewsbury Rams, as they are now seven points behind in fifth, with Oldham looking to pounce three points behind.

The Roughyeds occupy the final relegation spot, with Bradford Bulls already confirmed as relegated to League One in 2018, so they will be desperate to finally get one over on their rivals.

Hornets have enjoyed three wins out of the four meetings between the two sides this year, with the other ending in a dramatic draw.

On each occasion there has been fireworks, with things boiling over on the pitch several times, but despite that they have produced an enthralling encounter every time.

In the first meeting of the year, the Roughyeds surrendered their hold on the Law Cup in a pre-season loss at Bower Fold.

Tries from Chris Riley, Jordan Case, Gary Middlehurst and Lewis Galbraith helped Hornets to a 24-12 win, as they lifted the trophy in front of their jubilant away following.

The first league clash saw Hornets complete a remarkable comeback to snatch a point, as they trailed by 12 points with five minutes left on the clock.

Gavin Bennion charged over to half the deficit before Ryan Maneely crossed under the black dot to level the scores at 26-26.

Despite it not being a great performance, Hornets showed great character to come away with something from the contest.

Next up was a visit to the seaside, where Hornets pulled off another brilliant comeback to this time pick up two points in their Summer Bash showdown with a brilliant second half display to round off a 38-28 triumph.

Jake Eccleston crossed for a first half double after Miles Greenwood had scored their first try, before Rob Massam, Ben Moores, Case and Galbraith picked up scores in the second 40 to complete the win.

In their last meeting Dec Kay inspired Rochdale to a 34-24 win at Bower Fold in the final round of the regular season, as he crossed for a brace, as did Kevin Penny.

Eccleston and Danny Yates were also on the scoresheet, as they rounded off the first stage of their 2017 campaign with a win.

More recently, Hornets have lost all three of their Championship fixtures, including their latest trip to France to take on Toulouse Olympique.

They went down 50-12 after a 52 minute half-time break due to floodlight failure, which left coach Alan Kilshaw furious.

Oldham were defeated in their first two Shield games before they battled hard for a point in a 22-22 draw away to Batley Bulldogs.

It put Oldham level with Swinton Lions, however their neighbours have a superior points difference working in their favour.

All eyes will be on the Crown Oil Arena on Monday now, as Rochdale will be looking to continue their great form against Oldham this season and consolidate their place in the division.

Rob Massam has a 50/50 chance of making Monday’s derby, as he will face a late fitness test following his rehabilitation from a knee injury.

Jono Smith will undergo a head test to see if he has recovered from a head injury picked up against Batley, while a hip injury sustained by Lewis Foster in the same game could rule him out.

Josh Crowley is a definite omission though, as the former Oldham second rower is side lined with an elbow injury.

Ben Moores will miss out though, as he picked up a two game suspension for an altercation against Batley a week prior to their visit to France.