Skolars travel to play Oldham on Sunday in the Kingstone Press Championship 1 play-offs knowing they are just 80 minutes away from a place in the Grand Final at Leigh on the 29th October, where Rochdale would be their opponents.
Skolars coach Joe Mbu faces a major reshuffle of his side’s attacking options after Dylan Skee, a nominee for the Kingstone Press Championship One Player of the Year award, broke his ankle late in the game against Hemel Stags last week. Mbu said: “Dylan will definitely be missed, but he’ll be with us at the weekend and that’s the type of guy he is. The players want to do it for him.”
On Oldham, Mbu added: “They’re a good side but we’re a lot stronger team now than in our two previous meetings this year, and that puts me in a positive spirit.”
Oldham full-back Richard Lepori returns after missing last week’s narrow defeat by Rochdale Hornets. Lepori was on international duty with Italy, producing a man of the match display in their 32-20 win over Serbia. He now looks set to replace Tom Whitehead, who broke his hand against Rochdale, as Oldham battle for the win that will take them to the Kingstone Press Championship One Play-off Final.
Oldham have won seven of their last eight meetings with London Skolars, with their last defeat coming in July 2011.
Oldham coach Scott Naylor said: “I can never knock this fine young squad for effort and desire. They are a great bunch; gutsy, hard working and exceptionally fit.”
Oldham Roughyeds v London Skolars kicks off at 3pm on Sunday 22nd September at Oldham’s Whitebank Stadium. Tickets are available to purchase on the gate priced at £11 and £9.
