Ex-players get back into action for charity match

FORMER rugby players got back into the game - and raised money in memory of a former Rochdale Hornets star.

Thirty players representing Rochdale Hornets, Oldham RLFC and leading amateur outfit Oldham St Annes took part in a ‘semi-contact’ tournament in aid of the Stephen Gartland Foundation.

Father-of-two Stephen, 45, was found dead in Castleton last August.

Following his death, which is not being treated as suspicious, his family set up the Stephen Gartland Foundation to encourage men to speak about their problems.

Oldham, led by ex-Hornets star Ian Sinfield, took the spoils during the tournament at Mayfield rugby club in Castleton.

The Hornets team featured ex-players Emon Ratu, Chris Churm, Mick Farrell, Tony Hilton and veteran Paul McDermott, as well as club doctor Ian ‘Sammy’ Sampson. Board director Dave Ramsbottom also featured alongside Niel Wood from the Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation, Chris Rostron from Rugby League Cares and local RL stalwart Andy Battersby.

All the players were then invited up to the Crown Oil Arena for the derby clash between Hornets and Oldham.

A Hornets spokesperson said: “The whole day was a tremendous success and the club would like to thank everyone involved as they helped make Sunday a memorable day.”