Penalty try costly for Waterhead

HOLDING ON: Oldham St Anne’s prop Alex Eyres (left) retains possession during his side’s 40-22 home defeat to Eccles in division two.

WATERHEAD coach Mick Slicker was left scratching his head after an unusual penalty try decision rocked his team away at Crosfields in division two.

Leading 16-6 just before half-time with Mick Diveney leading the way with a pair of tries and two goals, allied to a four-pointer from Mike Bennett, the home team benefited from a decision the visitors felt was contentious.

“We were playing well and were all over them really, but then we started to believe we could score tries from all over the field,” Slicker said.

“We lost our heads and got a bit silly and let them in with soft tries.

“But the one just before half-time really hurt us.

“You just don’t see penalty tries. But the referee felt their winger had been tripped and awarded them one right under the posts.

“Then in the second half we spent the first 20 minutes defending as we never had the ball due to decisions going against us.”

The final 36-28 scoreline at least represented some sort of progress for Waterhead, who have suffered not only from a disjointed pre-season programme due to player absentees, but also a schedule which grants them a first home game of this season as late as this Saturday, when Cumbrian side Egremont Rangers turn out at Waterhead Park (2.30pm kick off).

Slicker will hope to have key men Craig Highton and Chris Hepworth, both unavailable last week, back in his ranks as the Peach Road side aim to pick up their first points of the season.

THE FIRST game of the BARLA Tri-County Series takes place this Sunday, September 27, with a new venue of Ince Rose Bridge.

Switched from original host Leigh East, the day comprises two matches — at under-19s (1pm kick off) and open age (3pm) level — and a total of six local players are set to be involved.

Oldham St Anne’s centre David Cookson and Saddleworth Rangers forward Jimmy Rogers are both in the full squad, with Rangers trio Tom Hurdus, Anthony Morrison and Tom Whitehead and Oldham St Anne’s player Greg Worrell in the under-19s selection.


Cobras defeated


WATERHEAD’S second team came out on top in the local clash with Rochdale Cobras in division five, edging it 32-30 at home for a second win in three games.

It handed the visitors a first loss of the season, but the Cobras still sit top of the table thanks to a points difference of plus 122.

In division three, Saddleworth Rangers ‘A’ lost

24-12 at home to Haresfinch, while Higginshaw went down 22-10 at Leyland Warriors in division four.


Super Saints outgun champions


OLDHAM St Anne’s gained revenge on last season’s premier division champions Thatto Heath, handing out a 40-6 thrashing on home soil.


Jordan White led the way with a fine performance from scrum-half and was well supported by big efforts from Simon Brunt, Ruben Holland and Mark Lees.

The power of the Arrowsmith twins and Andrew Fitzpatrick in the forwards proved too much for Thatto to contain. Saints, who have two wins from three matches played, are now second in the premier division table behind Wigan St Jude’s. 

In the Gillette National Youth League, Saddleworth Rangers maintained their strong start to the campaign by defeating Keighley Cubs 60-10 at home for a second win in succession.