‘A’ team show staying power

RUGBY UNION: 

Oldham ‘A’ 20, Upper Eden ‘A’ 5

AFTER three weeks without a match, Oldham were really up for this fixture.

They went into the game full of determination as in the away clash earlier in the season Oldham had fielded an under- strength, under-sized team and were well beaten.

How times have changed. The Manor Park men are beginning to get a settled team, one which is capable of matching the best the division can offer.

But it was Eden who were the stronger side early on and Oldham barely touched the ball for the first 15 minutes.

Eden bombarded the Oldham line and were camped between the try-line and the five-metre line for about six minutes, but Oldham’s scrambling defence stayed strong.

Surprisingly, the only score of the half went Oldham’s way just after the half-hour mark via a penalty for a high tackle.

Scott Danby slotted the ball over the bar and Oldham went into the interval with a 3-0 lead.

Eden started the second half with renewed enthusiasm and vigour and, after five minutes, produced a good rolling maul wide on the left before forcing the ball down for a try.

But their experienced players gradually began to run out of steam and Oldham capitalised.

On the hour mark, Phil Conroy made a break from just outside his own half, rounded several defenders and put the ball back inside to the supporting Danby.

He in turn fed Danny Booth. who ploughed towards the line.

Booth was stopped short, but managed to recycle the ball to Andy Birch to score the try. Danby converted and Oldham’s lead was restored.

Soon after, Oldham were awarded a penalty for yet another high tackle, which was strange as this was never a dirty game. Danby converted and Oldham had some breathing space.

Five minutes from time, debutant Chris Haslem made a decisive break and passed to Danby to put the icing on the cake with a try which was converted.

Eden put a lot into this game, but an Oldham team from which there is plenty more to come proved too resourceful.

Paul Crossley, Booth and Jack Hawkins stood out in the forwards, and Conroy, Phil Graham and Liam Armstrong were solid in the backs.

But Oldham’s man of the match was Stu Brennan for a superb, aggressive display of running and tackling.