SINCE its inception in 1921, the AJ Law Cup has thrown up many fascinating and ‘heart-warming’ encounters between Hornets and Oldham.

But few will match the meeting between the two teams at Spotland in 1989 in front of a record crowd of 8,150. Hornets came out on top and on Sunday they hope to celebrate the 20th anniversary of that victory, when they again face their old foes at the same venue.

It is hoped that many of the players who took part in the 1989 game will be able to attend to be introduced to the crowd and, more importantly, it is hoped rugby league fans from both towns, plus a few neutrals, will turn out in force to support the teams.

Both clubs have in the past battled for survival and it is no secret the struggle to make ends meet for all professional clubs at this level is ongoing.

The hardy few have worked hard to achieve that aim, and continue to do so, and perhaps it’s time for those armchair supporters to reward their efforts by coming along to the game.

The match will be a good opportunity for fans of both teams to cast their eye over newly assembled squads, as well as giving the respective coaches the chance to sharpen their teams up before the Northern Rail Cup and Co-operative Championship 1 campaigns.

And, to add spice, if any more was needed, neither Hornets coach John Stankevitch, nor Oldham coach Tony Benson, will know quite what to expect from their players.

Both squads are made up of young, up-and-coming players with a sprinkling of old heads to guide them around the field. They have yet to be tested in the heat of battle and Sunday’s contest will give the coaches an indication as to whether they have recruited wisely and well.

Stankevitch and Benson, though, will be more concerned with the performance than the result, but will be keenly aware of the fierce and historic rivalry which exists.

They will also want to start the 2010 campaign with a morale-boosting victory.

It promises to be an unmissable start to the season and one which deserves lots of support.

Gate prices have been reduced for this fixture which kicks off at 3pm. They are £10 adults, £5 concessions.

OFF the field several new kit sponsors are joining forces with Hornets to help fund and promote the newly-formed co-operative. The new main sponsor will be well known to Hornets’ fans.

Hornets’ chief executive Mike Banks is pleased with progress so far and said: "We are just finalising the arrangements for the new sponsors and the new kit suppliers. I am delighted with them and I believe they will add great value to Hornets’ brand. The kit supplier is an international brand and the main sponsor is a local business that everyone is familiar with."

The club will be holding a kit launch early in the new year with the new sponsors and newly-designed home and away kits. Players will be modelling the new kit and all members will be invited to the launch at Spotland.

HORNETS are introducing a new website this month.

The site will have more pages and will be automatically updated with news, results and league tables. It will also enable supporters to sign up as members and receive e-mail newsletters. Players’ stats, competitions and photo galleries will also add to the appeal of the new site,