Appointments for Oxford v Coventry in the League 1 Cup.
Referee: Greg Dolan (Dewsbury and Batley)
11/09/2016 - Oxford 6 North Wales 37 (penalties 9-10 against)
As his previous Oxford game was the last game of last season, that means it’s two competitive games on the trot. He was a referee a decade ago, but I think must have taken a break. He was back for NCL in 2016, and in fact is the reigning NCL Referee of the year (see photo - he’s the one on the left). That was whilst touch judging in the Championship, for which he picked up 2016 Championships Touch Judge of the Year. He also refereed in League 1 toward the end of the season, including the Oxford game. Is president of Spen Valley Vipers in his spare time.
Touch Judge: Paul Stockman (York and Selby)
Second known Oxford game, the first being the away win over South Wales in August 2015.
Touch Judge: Arron Gill (Huddersfield)
No known Oxford games. Was a touch judge in last year’s BARLA cup final.
Reserve Referee: George Barrass (Leeds)
This is his second Oxford game, the first one being the League 1 Shield game against Coventry last season when he was also reserve referee.
Match Commissioner: David Asquith (York and Selby)
Was match commissioner at last season’s 2016 Challenge Cup final, and has had other big game appointments, although this is his first Oxford game. Refereed at the top level for 20 years. Then became a video referee, including the first Super League Grand Final in 1998. Originally from Batley. May be an Ian Rankin fan (see photo)
Interesting fact - former Prime Minister Herbert Asquith, who was from Morley in Yorkshire, is buried in Sutton Courtenay, just a couple of miles away from Abingdon. A relation, perhaps?
