Oldham hit form against Aspatria

Photo: Tim Abram

GET IN . . . Nick Hackman.

Oldham 1sts 11, Aspatria 1sts 10

OLDHAM RUFC's form since Christmas was five wins from six games - now make that six from seven, after seeing off promotion hopefuls Aspatria at Manor Park in the North Lancashire and Cumbria League.

However, the home side could not have envisaged a worse start, conceding a try from No.8 Mark Hodge after only five minutes.

Oldham breathed a huge sigh of relief moments later when a penalty chance went begging.

At this point, Oldham slipped into gear, taking the game to Aspatria, despite losing Callum Megram to a clumsy challenge. This required a bit of reorganisation with Charlie Roscoe going to outside centre, Alex Jobson to full-back and Phil Graham to left wing.

Both teams were fully committed with some strong carrying and heavy tackling, but it was Oldham were broke the gain line more frequently and Alex Jobson kicked a couple of penalties to hand his side a 6-5 lead after half an hour.

The Oldham defence continued to frustrate Aspatria, who couldn't find a way through.

The scrum was on top with Bobby Cullen and Jordan and Dean McEwan proving a handful.

Collectively, Oldham were starving the visitors of any good quality attacking ball.

When they were able to attack, Will Mellor, Gaz Barber, Josh Watson and Charlie Roscoe tackled like trojans to repel them.

The Cumbrian defence was equally impressive, but they could little to prevent Ryan Arundale touching down in the corner to extend the lead. Jobson's difficult conversion drifted just wide.

Oldham were well-prepared to face a second-half onslaught.

Yes, Aspatria threw bodies forward, but very rarely did they breach the defence.

With less than 10 minutes remaining, the visitors got through as winger Lee Tinnion worked an overlap.

However, Oldham's had worked hard to keep him out wide, making the conversion difficult. The kick was missed.

Holding a one-point lead, Oldham remained composed and starved Aspatria of any ball as the clocked ticked down.

Aspatria were a bigger and fitter side, but Oldham were every bit as good on the day and played with a passion and commitment.