Oldham predictionsAnd so it looms large on the horizon in this corner of east Lancashire. The vagaries of the playoff system has granted us the NFP semi-final that we all wanted.
Mike Ford brings his itineratnt Roughyeds and their sizeable following to Spotland for what promises to be the game of this and just about any other season in the last decade or so.
Depending on who you talk to, Oldham's week off will have improved/hampered their chances of upsetting the bookies on Sunday. Where Hornets have continued to rectify their problem areas in the heat of battle and prepare with live ammunition, the Biffs have had a week to run this one through their heads and wonder.
The problem for Hornets is that working with Live ammo leads to casualties and we've lost tackling machine Wes Rogers with a broken arm. Expect Martin Bunce or James Bunyan to step into the breach.
Otherwise, Martin Hall will be looking to field much the same side as last week - hopefully now forcibly reminded that dropping the ball and chucking out stupid passes is a bad thing and that keeping your thoughts to yourself around the play the ball is a good thing.
The more munificent of supporters would willingly accept that Hornets have had a most excellent season - great wins, startling progress, improved crowds and a revived spirit in the club. These, they'd rightly say, would be enough for anyone - proof enough that we'd given of our best and been rewarded accordingly.
However, Hornets first foray into playoff football has extended our hopes into previously uncharted territory. Under any other circumstances, defeat on Sunday would be a shame, but having already overachieved, we could look forward to building on it next season.
But given our opponents on this weekend, the game takes on more significance than just providing the final with a fitting competitor.
For once, the regular season proved Hornets superior to our near neighbours. League games stand at one-all, both won away from home.
This is the east Lancashire Rugby League decider. That the winner of this gets hammered 100-nil in the final matters not a jot to anyone. It's local rivalry writ large on the biggest stage available to us. The winner gets the deep satisfaction of knowing they were right. The loser gets to lick their wounds all the way to the Law Cup - and that 's a long time for any wound to weep.
Oldham and Hornets fans alike know what this game REALLY means. Those who love their Rugby League imbued with genuine passion won't be disappointed - whatever the outcome. But, for Hornets and our supporters, there can only be one possible, acceptable result. You really must have a very good excuse to miss this one. Get there early.