Cup game against local rivals re-born

The A.J.LAW Cup between Hornets and Oldham returns to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the famous league clash of 1989 which Hornets won in front of a record crowd of 8150.

The game will be played at Spotland Stadium, home of the Hornets, on Sunday 3 January with a 3.00pm kick off.

A local derby with silverware at stake always ensures a fierce contest between these two old enemies for this historical trophy.

The Law Cup, which was first played for in 1921, has been contested on 61 previous occasions with Oldham taking the spoils 36 times to Hornets` 22 with 3 draws.

The match will be a good opportunity for fans of both teams to cast their eye over each teams newly assembled squads, as well as giving the respective coaches the chance to sharpen their teams up before the Northern Rail Cup and Co-operative Championship 1 campaigns.

Hornets Chairman Mark Wynn said: "Hornets are excited about the prospect of hosting the Law Cup again especially as it’s the 20th anniversary of the now Legendary League clash between these two sides. We hope we can get as many people who attended that game in 1989 to come down and see the new look Hornets. We also will invite the players from that game down as our guests. It should be a fantastic occasion."

Hornets CEO Mike Banks said: “This will be the first time that the fans will be able to see the new coaching team and squad in competitive action. It is great to see historic games like this reborn and I am hopeful that both sets of fans will turn out in large numbers to support local rugby league. It is important to clubs like ourselves and Oldham to encourage new and old fans to invest in the clubs' future and I would like to challenge both sets of supporters to bring a friend or family member who is new to rugby league and start the new year with a record crowd.”