Saints run out of time

FLASHPOINT . . . Mick Fogerty (centre) tries to act as peacemaker as Oldham St Anne’s and Askam players square-up at Higginshaw Road.

RUGBY: OLDHAM St Anne’s pulled out all the stops in an effort to overcome a physical Askam side in this National Conference League Division Two clash, but eventually fell agonisingly short, losing 32-26.

Relegation-threatened Saints showed their intent from the first whistle at Higginshaw Road as Mick Fogerty touched down. But Askam responded in style with tries from Rory Marshall, Iestyn Humphreys and man of the match Tom Hopkins.

Adam Jackson added two conversions as the visitors from Cumbria forged a 16-4 lead at the break.

The forward trio of Carl Fields, John Deakin and James Shaw put in some huge hits for Saints, who found their rhythm after the break with three well-worked tries of their own, Niall Collins, Carl Fields and Ben Marsden going over. Kiel Lancashire kicked all three conversions to put Saints in front at 22-16.

Askam regained their composure and replied with a second Hopkins try and Jackson goal to restore parity. Saints then found themselves six points adrift through a Mark Tyson score and Jackson conversion.

Tempers flared in the 65th minute, and with four players off the field — three for Saints and one for Askam — Humphreys added his second try for the visitors.

The home side weren’t done with, though, as Collins doubled his tally, but time ran out with Saints pushing hard to draw level.

With another home game on Saturday — they face Bradford Dudley Hill — Saints will be hoping to secure vital league points.