Firsts left to curse second-half woes

ALEX Jobson tries to fend off a Fleetwood tackle.

OLDHAM RUFC firsts battled hard in their latest North Lancs and Cumbria League clash at Manor Park ­- but it was Fleetwood who pocketed the points courtesy of a 13-10 victory.

In a hard-fought confrontation, the home team were left to curse a spell in the second half when, despite being awarded five consecutive penalties deep in the visitors' 22, no yellow card or penalty try was forthcoming.

HIGH-FLYING
Fleetwood are good, though. One of two sides to defeat high-flying Carlisle this season, they are young, fit and powerful. They also adore physical contact.

It was all change for Oldham, with Jack Taylor, Jake Watson and Jason Green returning to the first team fold.

With Jake lined up alongside brother Josh, while another set of siblings also featured in Luke and Charlie Roscoe, all of whom came through the club's academy system.

Former Oldham player and coach Lee Kemp paid a visit from Australia. He watched Ryan Arundale dart 70 yards to deny Fleetwood an almost certain try.

The home team suffered a blow when tough-tackling flanker Luke Roscoe had to go with a head injury.

With Oldham incurring the wrath of the match official ­- the penalty count was 14-2 in the first half-an-hour ­- it was no surprise to see Fleetwood build up a 6-0 lead.

Although Callum Megram spent 10 minutes in the 'bin' for retaliation, the rest of the half belonged to Oldham.

Nick Hackman looked odds-on to score, taking a quick tap penalty, only to be tackled by the last man, who received a yellow card.

Moments later, Oldham were in. Alex Jobson darted through a gap and unselfishly drew the last defender and released Charlie Roscoe for a try in the corner.

With Megram in the bin, Jobson nailed the conversion to put Oldham 7-6 in front.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with defences on top.

Oldham extended the lead to 10-6 when Megram slotted a long-range penalty five minutes after restart.

The next was score was crucial and it was Fleetwood who tallied, creating space inside the 22 for a converted try in the corner.

The defining moment in the match came and went with Oldham feeling aggrieved, but they now must turn their attention to this weekend's encounter against Bolton.