Mellor stars for Oldham

WILL MELLOR . . . hat-trick of tries at Workington

Workington 1sts 27, Oldham 1sts 52

DESPITE being on the wrong end of a 15-3 penalty count, Oldham Rugby Club Firsts returned from their long trek to Cumbria with a convincing win.

However, a repeat of said penalty count against high-flying Aspatria could result in a different conclusion on Saturday.

While scoring more than 50 points in Workington is rare indeed, Oldham were a little disappointed with the performance in the North Lancashire and Cumbria League clash.

STARTERS

Unavailable for a variety of reasons were Alex Jobson, Robert Froggatt, Ryan Arundale and Luke Roscoe, all of whom have been regular starters and key players this season. In came Jake Watson, Ryan North and Jason Green.

Workington defied their lowly position by dominating early, and were rewarded with a try in the corner after five minutes, which was followed by a successful penalty.

Oldham replied with a try from Josh Watson - Callum Megram converted - and the latter touched down soon after from a Charlie Roscoe break for a 14-8 lead.

Gareth Barber scored by the posts after a Will Mellor dart, and with Megram converting the advantage was up to 21-8. Back came Workington, though, with a converted try before the break.

Oldham raced out of the blocks in the second half with Nick Hackman touching down for a bonus-point try - Megram converted - followed by man of the match Mellor diving in.

The game looked all over at this stage, but Workington retaliated after they were gifted the ball.

Charlie Roscoe replied for Oldham for a 38-22 lead, but the hosts hit back again after Jordan McEwan's attemped clearance struck an astonished North in the face and the ball dropped to a shocked Cumbrian who picked up and scored.

Despite having notched half a dozen tries away from home, Oldham hadn't put the game to bed.

They eased any nerves with Mellor going in by the posts and Megram converting.

Then, in the last play of the game, North stole the ball at a Workington line-out before finding Mellor, who completed his hat-trick. Megram added the extra two points.

Oldham's Gaz Blomeley, Dean McEwan, Bobby Cullen and Jack Taylor were a match for the powerful opposition forwards, while the performance levels didn't drop when Jake Watson, Cameron Wood and Billy Buckley joined the fray in the second half.

The visiting backs all looked dangerous and inventive in possession.