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Cornwall RLFC are on the road again for a second successive week with the side traveling to Oldham Rougyeds tomorrow – 3.00pm.

The Lancashire outfit are back playing at the Vestacare Stadium, Whitebank, in 2022 after spending last season at Bower Fold, home of football side Stalybridge Celtic.

The 2021 campaign was one of disappointment for Oldham as they were relegated from the Championship. Part way through the term, Oldham dispensed with the services of coach Matt Diskin and he was replaced by interim duo Brendan Sheridan and Brian McDermott.

The temporary Oldham coaches were unable to save the Roughyeds from sliding through the Championship’s relegation trap door and in October, the club moved to appoint Stuart Littler as a permanent replacement for Diskin.

Although McDermott is now head coach at Championship promotion hopeful Featherstone Rovers, Sheridan has remained part of the Oldham set-up and now assists Littler.

So far this term, Oldham’s results have been inconsistent with a shock Challenge Cup exit at the hands of amatuer club Lock Lane. And Betfred League 1, Oldham have suffered defeats at the hands of Keighley Cougars and local rivals Rochdale Hornets last time out.

Littler’s side also shared the spoils with Hunslet while their solitary victory came against West Wales Raiders with Oldham prevailing 100-4 at Whitebank. 

Ahead of this round five clash, cornwallrlfc.co.uk spoke to Oldham’s social media guru Jamie Hollingworth to discuss the Roughyeds’ season so far. 

CW: Although still early in the season, sum up how your campaign has gone so far?

JH: It is still very early and things haven’t gone our way. We have a new team, new coach a new direction and it will take time, but we’re seeing the club go through a transitional phase. I’d like to have seen us beat Hunslet after being a good margin in front and I think the derby defeat against Rochdale hurt us all.

CW: Is an instant return to the Championship Oldham’s target this season?

JH: Personally I think that’s what most of the fans want but again, being realistic, I think consolidation and trying to get in the play-offs is a more realistic goal for a new set of players and we can see what happens from there. 

CW: What kind of challenge are you expecting from Cornwall?

JH: I have seen Cornwall improve each week watching them on OurLeague and I expect you to come at us, make it tough and give us a good challenge. I would like to think we will win on Sunday, but your coach Neil Kelly has got you playing good rugby. 

CW: Who is Oldham’s player to watch?

JH: I think it’s hard to look past Owen Restall at the moment. The tall, pacy full back has nine league tries to his name – two hat tricks included – and he doesn’t look like stopping.

CW: Finally, there is a familiar face in the Cornwall side. What are your memories of Harry Aaronson?

JH: Harry is a good player, he’s familiar with the Oldham set up and probably knows a few people in and around the club. I like how quick he is and his eagerness to get the ball. Once a Yed, always a Yed, Harry!

Follow Jamie on Twitter: @Jamie_Holls