No luck for Oldham in first clash

OLDHAM RUFC claimed they did not have the rub of the green as they lost at neighbours Aldwinians in their opening match of the campaign in North Lancs/Cumbria division.

There were complaints that two of the first-half tries scored by Aldwinians ought not to have been allowed as the scorers held up over the line.

Oldham's cause was also not helped by their weakened backs as new-boy Nick Duncan and Rob Fryer cried off, while prop forwards Paul Wardle and John Hayes were hurt in the opening period.

As a result, Oldham's pack struggled so the backs were starved of possession.

Oldham took a fifth-minute lead following a well-worked move, ending when Gareth Barber put a lovely kick through for Andy Gorey run on to and score in the corner.

Mark Goodman had the misfortune of hitting the post with the conversion from out wide.

Aldwinians hit back with tries from Ben Marsland and John Green with John Worrall kicking one conversion and a penalty as the hosts established a 15-5 lead midway through the opening half.

Alan Cassidy scored another touchdown which, together with a conversion and further penalty from Worrall gave Aldwinians a 25-5 half-time advantage.

The second half saw Aldwinians forge further in front through a Worrall penalty and converted try.

Oldham scored their second try on the hour when Kyle Howard, Barber and Goodman linked to release Gorey who scored his second touchdown in the corner, with Goodman kicking the two extra points.

However, Peter Hughes scored a late try for Aldwinians to complete the misery for Oldham.