Neil Wilby Media

England opened their Rugby World Cup campaign in France yesterday evening and, after a calamitous opening in which talismanic flanker, Tom Curry, was given a yellow card over a mid-air collision with Argentinian, Juan Cruz Mallia, with the game just over two minutes old, stared ignominious defeat in the face.

The yellow card was soon upgraded to red, after review of the incident by off-field match officials at the iconic Stade Vélodrome in Marseilles, which meant The Pumas would have a man advantage for almost the entire match. Already well fancied to beat an out-of-form England, the result looked a foregone conclusion.

But when the going gets tough, the tough get going, as the old saying goes – and they don’t make rugby men much tougher than those born and bred in Oldham.

England’s defence coach, Kevin Sinfield OBE, 43, honoured as a Freeman of Oldham Borough earlier this year, is well recognised as one of the greatest rugby league players, and leaders, ever to don a pair of boots, had to marshal his depleted resources like never before to keep Argentina at bay.

The Saddleworth man did so, to such effect, that it was only when his team’s legs had turned to jelly, with the clock fast running down to full time, that they eventually conceded the game’s only try. By that time, the game was already safely won.

But it was another Oldham boy that stole the show: George Ford, 30, son of Oldham rugby league legend and current Chairman of the club, Mike Ford, scored all 27 of England’s points with some dead-eyed kicking both from the tee and three cool-as-you-like drop goals in open play.

Both Sinfield and Ford have associations with top local amateur club, Saddleworth Rangers. Kevin’s son, Jack, has followed in his father’s footsteps and plays professional rugby league at Leeds Rhinos. ‘Sir Kev’ was playing at another top local amateur team, Waterhead, when he signed for Leeds.

Oldham’s Mayor, Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE says: “Oldham can be very proud of Kevin and George. As always, they bring great credit to the Borough with their skills and cool temperament. Best wishes to both, and the rest of the England squad, for a successful tournament”.

Fellow Oldham Councillor, Ros Birch, steeped in rugby league in the town, adds: “The people of Oldham should be rightly thrilled with the contribution of both Kevin and George. Oldham has a proud heritage of growing outstanding players from the grassroots of both codes and, hopefully, this will be continued as Oldham RLFC develops its Youth Lions programme in partnership with Leeds Rhinos”.

Liberal Democrat, Cllr Mark Kenyon, who represent the Saddleworth West and Lees ward on Oldham Council says: “Local lads, Kevin & George, put in a top class performance against ‘the Argies’ and showed what it means to hail from Saddleworth and Oldham. I’m sure fans from across the Borough will join me in wishing the whole team well in their campaign”.

Another Oldham RLFC legend and, until recently the Club’s first-ever Ambassador, Adrian Alexander, has this message for the the Borough’s more negative on-line element: “Some of the best sportsmen and women come from Oldham, so start supporting them at all levels instead of moaning about pot holes!”. ‘Alex’ as he is fondly known, also represented England at rugby union, whilst captaining the famous Harlequins, before turning professional and signing for Oldham. He also represented Saddleworth on Oldham Council for a number of years.

The Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, was asked to comment but did not acknowledge the email carrying the request.

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Page last updated: Sunday 10th September, 2023 at 15h15

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Picture credit: England Rugby

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