Away-day pain for depleted Oldham

OLDHAM'S Ryan Arundale and Will Mellor chase down an Aspatria attack

WORK and social commitements, as well as injuries, left Oldham Rugby Union Club firsts short of numbers as they slipped to a heavy 72-12 defeat at Aspatria.

In total, eight players were unavailable from the previous weekend's North Lancs and Cumbria League fixture for the trip to Cumbria.

Only two of the regular pack line-up were available and they were forced to play out of position ­- prop Jordan McEwan at hooker and second rower Jon Souter at No.8 .

Eighteen-year-old Cameron Wood made his full debut and he was paired with another teenager, Alex Mayoh, in the second row, while flanker Jack Taylor was entrusted with the line-out throwing duties.

TOUGH ASK

It was always going to be a tough ask against an Aspatria side, who had recruited well in the close season in a bid to regain their National League status.

Oldham's task got even harder within 15 minutes of the kick-off as Mayoh, who had excelled in the line-out, limped out because of a knee injury. He was replaced by the visitors' only substitute, winger Jason Green.

A half-time score of 41-0 and the final-whistle outcome was a fair reflection of Aspatria's excellent team work and ruthless efficiency.

Oldham did enjoy reasonable periods of territorial advantage without really threatening the Aspatria line.

Tries were scored by McEwan, after a 20-yard dart, and Callum Megram, from a classy back move.

Oldham captain Gareth Barber put in a huge effort and full-back Alex Jobson constantly looked dangerous with ball in hand.

The Oldham players were unanimous in awarding man of the match to Terry Megram who, on the day, was kitman, physio, conditioner, water-boy, touchjudge ,fines collector and match-card filler in.

THERE were nine changes to Oldham second XV's home North-West Intermediate Rugby Union Leagues Division Three North clash with Carnforth firsts.
Danny Simpson stepped up from the thirds for a rare but welcome run-out.

After a bright start, Oldham fell behind to a converted try under the posts, and fell further adrift with another seven-point effort before the half-hour mark.

Chris Brown put Oldham on the board via a penalty, but it was Carnforth who again went in for a healthy 21-3 lead.

Another penalty saw the hosts reduce the arrears, but they had a mountain to climb in the second half.

Oldham man-of-the-match Martin Kenny scored to the right of the posts ­- Brown converted ­- and he went in again in the 80th minute, but only after Carnforth had added two more converted tries and a penalty to their tally.

It was an improved display from Oldham, but there is still work to be done.

Meanwhile, Oldham's Vets/third team lost 20-10 at Rosslyn Park Vets.