Back on track

Photo: Tim Abram

RUNNING IN . . . Oldham's Max Horsfall adds to the points tally

AFTER the previous week's challenging trip to Aspatria, where Oldham Rugby Union Club firsts shipped 70 points, it was the Manor Park men's turn to pile up the points in an emphatic 92-8 win.

Opponents Workington are still adjusting to life in the North Lancashire and Cumbria League, which includes time spent on the road, although they could still call upon a squad of 18 players.

The hosts have encountered some real difficulty this season in terms of continuity of selection and it was no different in this game.

Alex Mayoh is out for 12 weeks with knee ligament damage, while Robert Froggatt and Ryan Pickles were also absent.

In came Neil Oldham for his long-awaited debut at loose head prop, Dean McEwan returned to the bench, Luke and Charlie Roscoe were available, while Jack Taylor filled in at hooker.

Oldham were quickly on the offensive, with a pick up and drive resulting in Josh Watson going in. Callum Megram's conversion fell short.

REMAINDER

Workington replied with a Tom Lawson penalty, from 40 metres, but the remainder of the period belonged to Oldham.

Workington had a couple of square pegs in round holes which made their defensive structure vulnerable and Oldham were smart enough to identify and exploit the mismatches.

There were further first-half tries from Luke Roscoe, Gareth Barber, Charlie Roscoe, Will Mellor, Alex Jobson and Megram.

Megram converted five out of seven touch downs for a half-time lead of 45-3.

Oldham showed a lot more patience in defence than they have of late and so the penalty count was low. They were anxious to play a more expansive game and tried to keep moving their larger Cumbrian opponents around the pitch.

Megram added to the tally early in the second half, but Workington regrouped to have their best spell and were rewarded with a try from captain Andrew Bowe.

Oldham brought on Bobby Cullen, Dean McEwan and Phil Conroy and had the upper hand for the rest of the game.

There were further tries from Megram, Luke and Charlie Roscoe, Mellor and Conroy.

Megram's boot made up the final tally. He finished with a personal total of 37 points.