Law Cup returns to Spotland

The Law Cup will return in 2016 as Rochdale Hornets host neighbours Oldham on Sunday 17 January at Spotland Stadium.

It will be three years on from their last meeting in the pre-season fixture where Oldham edged the contest 24-22.

It will also be 25 seasons since the two sides battled it out in front of a record crowd of 8,150 on Boxing Day, a game in which Hornets were victorious in the 1988/89 season.

To mark the anniversary players who took part on that day will be invited as special guests.

Rochdale Chairman Mark Wynn is looking forward to having the cup clash back in the town.

"We have a real a passion at Hornets for the history and traditions of the Law Cup, and the rivalry between ourselves and Oldham," said Wynn.

"To have the Law Cup at Spotland 25 seasons on from that record breaking Boxing Day fixture, and hopefully getting as many players back from that game, means it's going to be a fantastic event."

Formerly known as the Infirmary Cup, the annual game between the two fierce rivals has took place since 1912 and was originally a fund raiser for the local infirmaries of the two towns.

In 1949 it was renamed after local MP, A. J. Law, who instituted the cup, and more recently the man-of-the-match trophy was named after former Rochdale played Karl Marriott after he sadly died.

Hornets boss Alan Kilshaw thinks it is crucial that the fixture returns and is looking forward to testing his players against last season's champions.

"It's great to have this fixture back on the calendar and that we can host Oldham this season," he commented.

"Oldham were the benchmark for League One last season so it will be good to see where we are at as we're expecting them to go well at Championship level.

"It should bring the people of Rochdale out watching two local rivals playing in a game with such rich history."

Hornets' pre-season preparations are well under way ahead of the 2016 season as they aim to improve on last season’s sixth placed finish.

Kilshaw says he is impressed with their efforts in training and insists the mood in camp is positive: "The lads have ripped in and we have been pleased with the quality of the sessions so far.

"There's always that uncertainty and feeling of will it all come together, but there's a good vibe around the joint and people’s attitudes have been first class.

"We are all enjoying it which is important."

Former Oldham centre David Cookson is also looking forward to the return of the Law Cup.

It will give him an opportunity to come up against some close friends and get some well needed game time.

"I'm really excited for the Rochdale versus Oldham game," admitted Cookson.

"I've played with some of the Oldham lads for a long time and I've got a lot of really good friends there, staff and players.

"To now be the opposition, at the same time as playing for my home town team in a competitive local derby, will be an exhilarating experience that I can't wait to get stuck in to."

Cookson, who can also double up as a second row forward, returned to the game after a year out by signing for his home town club Rochdale. In doing so he became the final member of Kilshaw's squad and he is keen to get back onto the pitch come the New Year.

"Having a break from rugby has really helped me and done me a massive favour," he continued.

"I've kept fit, rested my body and got my enthusiasm back for the game, and I'm really looking forward to the start of the season.

"I want to get stuck in as a Rochdale player and show the Rochdale Hornets fans what I can do and hopefully help them to achieve their goals."

Tickets are on sale now via the Hornets ticketing partner Tap2 via the ticket section of the hornetsrugbyleague.com website priced at the early bird* discounted price of £10 adults, £8 concessions and just £1 children.

*The early bird rate is available until Monday 4 January.