by Mark Barrow
SADDLEWORTH RANGERS have tasted both victory and defeat so far in 2015, but first-team coach Craig Farrimond says he is excited at what the new season holds.
Rangers began the year with a derby-day victory against local neighbours Waterhead in the first round of the Oldham Standard Cup on January 24.
They triumphed 18-10 at Churchill Playing Fields with tries from Adam Jeffrey, Jack Connor and Ethan Langhorn, all converted by Ben Whitehead.
But this was followed a week later by a 32-14 defeat in Portsmouth at the Royal Navy in the opening round of the Challenge Cup.
Rangers were on the back foot for most of the match and tries from Danny Bowker, Josh Bradbury, Tom Robinson and a goal from Ben Whitehead were not enough to see off their opponents.
After the defeat, Farrimond said: “It’s obviously disappointing to lose, but we have to set our sights on the season.
“They were a big, physical side but we were restricted to only having two substitutes because of recent injuries.
‘’We are now looking forward to a consistent run of games. It takes a couple of weeks to get back into playing but the training has been bang on – it’s just a shame the weather hasn’t been!”
Rangers now look to a friendly at Leigh Miners Rangers on Saturday, February 21, when both clubs’ under-10s will play a curtain raiser before the main game.
Then the National Conference League, division one season starts with a trip to Eccles on March 7 followed by Rangers’ first home match a week later when Ince Rose Bridge visit Shaw Hall Bank Road.
For more information, fixtures and events, visit Saddleworth Rangers website.
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