Oldham display ‘inner strength’

powering through . . . Josh Crowley forces his way over to increase Oldham’s lead against Swinton Lions. PICTURE by TIM BRADLEY

DESCRIBING the win at Swinton as a great result for the club, Oldham boss Scott Naylor said it was also an important one for his players after defeats by Keighley and North Wales.

They followed up with a 64-0 trouncing of Oxford at Whitebank, but the Roughyeds’ coach said it was the game at Sedgley Park on which his players would be judged for the second half of the season.

At the half-way point of their season, Naylor’s men are back in second place after dropping to third when beaten by Crusaders.

An upbeat Naylor said: “We were expected to beat Oxford, but facing Swinton at Sedgley Park was our first big challenge after those two defeats in a row and we came through with flying colours.

“Huge credit must go to the players because there were times at Sedgley Park, especially in the first half, when we looked like a Championship side. It was an important win in terms of the season as a whole and a great, great result for the club.

“To have a 22-4 half-time lead trimmed back to 22-20 away from home and then still kick on again to win shows a determination and an inner strength. If we take those qualities into every game from now to the end of the season it will be interesting to see where we finish.”

Naylor left out full-back Tom Dempsey (18), loan half-back David Hewitt (19), prop Richard Joy and hooker Kenny Hughes.

Naylor added: “I picked the 17 who I thought would form the right team to win at Swinton, but that is no reflection whatsoever on any of the lads who didn't play.

“Next weekend, when we go to Gloucester All Golds on Saturday, I might change things again.”