‘A’ TEAM BATTLES IN VAIN

OLDHAM RU ‘A’ showed commendable battling qualities despite losing 43–17 to an efficient Broughton Park third team.

They started the game poorly, allowing Park to score three tries in the opening ten minutes, and, at 19-0 down, were looking at a hefty defeat.

But the Manor Park lads then threw everything at Broughton Park and were unlucky not to score as Alan Pierre and Jon Maslen were held up just short of the try line.

Oldham showed their failings at the other end, however, when Park’s number eight crashed over the line after picking up the ball at the base of a scrum.

Matt Jakeman got Oldham on the scoresheet with an opportunist try, but two touchdowns just before half-time established a 38-5 lead for Park.

Oldham tried to regroup and for a while their efforts seemed to have some effect.

They were awarded a penalty try for persistent offside and handling in the ruck, Michael Collinge kicking the extra points, but the wind was taken out of Oldham sails when the Park winger claimed his hat-trick with a breakaway score.

Oldham lost the services of Chris Heap and Chris Gill following a clash of heads, the latter sustaining a nasty cut which necessitated a trip to hospital for stitches.

But, from the restart, Oldham set up a rolling maul and drove towards the Park line before creating a nice overlap for Rob Froggett to cross.

For Oldham, the front row of Danny Savage, Nathan Taylor and Jon Maslen worked hard, Matt Jakeman had a few excellent runs with the ball in hand, and back-rowers Tony Bergin, Mike Green and Alan Pierre tackled themselves to a standstill.

However, Rob Froggett was Oldham’s man of the match for his tackling, positional play and all-round effort.

Oldham thirds lost 37–12 away to their Bury counterparts, Jim Nixon and Jason Green scoring tries and the latter converting his own score.

But the Manor Park Vets enjoyed better luck, slamming Dukinfield thirds 74–0 with some marvellous flowing rugby which produced tries for Mark Fitton (2), Dave Roberts (2), Lee Moran (2), Dom Hall (2), Mark Hodge, Damien Hall, Glen Aylett and Neil Forsyth.

Conversions were provided by Danny Simpson (4), John Selby (2) and Paddy Lockett.