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Tickled pink?

Gavin Browne
9/ 7/2008

OLDHAM’S players will make an impression on the watching public next week when they don an all-pink kit for their Co-operative National League Two match against Doncaster.

The club has received permission from the Rugby Football League to wear the one-off kit, which they believe will draw attention to the battle against cancer, as well as the club’s official charities of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice and the Genesis Appeal.

Roughyeds skipper Rob Roberts unveiled the kit on Tuesday with chief executive Chris Hamilton admitting the players were happy to wear it – once they had got over the initial shock.

He said: "It was with some trepidation that the news was broken to the players – I’d been holding it back for a number of weeks before doing it!  In fairness to Rob, he thought the kit was fantastic and was fully behind the idea as soon as we told him about it because it does have a serious message behind it."

As with last season’s home game against Celtic Crusaders, entry to the Sky Sports-televised match next Thursday at Boundary Park will be free, subject to a £1 charity donation.

The funds will be split between Dr Kershaw’s and Genesis, Europe’s only research centre into the prevention of breast cancer. As well as the money that comes in through the gate, the two charities will also benefit from an exclusive kit auction.

The 17 Oldham players big and brave enough to don the pink strip will sign their individual shirts, which will then be framed and auctioned online with the money being split between Dr Kershaw’s and Genesis. A limited number of shirts will also be available to purchase in advance and wear on the night.

Roughyeds officials hope that enough will be taking place on the night to make it a memorable occasion.

Mr Hamilton explained: "There will be pre-match entertainment from the vocalist Jason McCann. We’re also looking to bring in as many schools from Oldham who have choirs to create a mass choir that will perform.

"Away from the normal events, we’re trying to create a special atmosphere that people will be able to enjoy. It’s not just about the game, there’s a very important message we’re trying to get across – not just to fans, but to the wider rugby league public as well."