2026 Season – best for 29 years and the end of an era for club devotee.
In spite of the heavy defeat to London Broncos in the play-off match yesterday, the 2026 season is one that the club and supporters can be very proud of by the fact that the third place finish in the Championship is the best since the exit from Super League in 1997.
In this the 150th anniversary year, it has been a roller coaster of a campaign with much upheaval behind the scenes. However, the on-field performance including that 16 match winning run in the Championship league fixtures, highlights how the focus of the team and coaching staff were up to, and met, the many challenges put before them. The loss to a very talented and full-time London outfit yesterday should not take the gloss off a fantastic season for the Roughyeds.
Also, it would be remiss of the Heritage Trust not to raise a glass to our friend Dave Murgatroyd who finished his tenure as the club photographer down in Wimbledon yesterday. As keen a ‘Yed’ as any other of our loyal supporters, Dave is to be thanked for all of the hours spent and miles travelled to bring us the superb images of Oldham RLFC and although he might be missed behind the lens, I’m sure he will be there to cheer on the lads for many seasons to come.
Finally a word about the Oldham following in London. It was a great showing from the travelling support who never stopped encouraging the team from the start of the encounter to well after the final whistle.