RU men up and running

FLEETWOOD 19, OLDHAM RUFC 22

OLDHAM RUFC’S climb up the North Lancs/Cumbria division table continued following their victory at Fleetwood.

After losing their first three league matches, Oldham are up and running having won their last two fixtures.

And the final scoreline at Fleetwood does not reflect Oldham’s performance as they were ahead from the 40th second and ought to have won by a margin of 20 points or more.

Only last-ditch tackling by Fleetwood and a gift try conceded by Oldham kept the score close.

Oldham’s forwards produced a much-improved performance as they held their own in scrums and lineouts with pack leader Rob Fryer, Ryan Jackson, Nick Duncan, Dean McEwan and Jack Taylor all having good games.

A strong swirling cross wind made passing difficult, but Gareth Barber used it to his team’s advantage pegging Fleetwood back with long kicks for touch.

Oldham took the lead after only 40 seconds following a penalty from Barber.

They went further in front after 10 minutes when Taylor won a lineout and released McEwan who charged through to score.

Oldham, 8-0 ahead at half time, saw their lead cut to three points by a try from No 8 Dave Hart early in the second half.

Four minutes later and Oldham had re-established a 10-point lead when Barber made a curving run to release winger Mike Douthwaite who beat two men before slipping a pass inside for Barber to score. He converted his own try.

Fleetwood clawed their way back into the game on the hour when Oldham dropped the ball while attacking. Tom Evans hacked through and won the chase to the line. He also kicked the extra points.

Oldham quickly regained their advantage when Andy Gorey raced on to Mark Goodman’s kick and outpaced the defence to touch down. Barber kicked the conversion.

If Oldham thought they were home and dry they were mistaken as Fleetwood pegged them back again three minutes from the end when Lee Jones scored a try and Evans converted

That reduced Oldham’s lead to 22-19 setting up a frantic final few minutes, but Oldham’s defence held firm.