Late try settles thrilling clash

Photo: Pictures by TIM ABRAM.

Jason Green plunges over the line for a try.

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Oldham RUFC 20, Upper Eden 22

Oldham suffered a reality check with this North Lancashire and Cumbria League home-defeat thriller.

Having fought back from 17-8 down to lead 20-17, Oldham conceded a try five minutes from time and players were left to reflect on a frustrating defeat.

There will be few easy games in this league and Upper Eden underlined that by putting their hosts under pressure from the start and going over following a good rolling maul.

Some frenetic rugby followed and it was Oldham who scored next, when Charlie Roscoe sent in Jason Green at the corner.

Oldham were playing the better rugby so it was a shock when the Upper Eden forwards stole a ball in the ruck, took four passes and Chris Curr scored in the corner. Trailing 10-5 at the break, Oldham reduced the deficit with a Callum Megram penalty, but a Dean Dent try and Zader Derrick conversion stretched Upper Eden’s lead to 17-8.

Oldham were far from done: Green got on the end of Gareth Barner’s fantastic crossfield kick to go over, then Oldham produced the best try of the game to take the lead.

Rosecoe made the break from well inside his own 22 and ran 60 metres before offloading to the supporting Will Mellor, who in turn sent in Phil Graham. Megram converted and Oldham were in the lead for the first time.

Upper Eden weren't finished:. Their counter-rucking had been outstanding all afternoon and after 75 minutes, such a ball steal set Dave Burbeck to crash over for the winning try.

Oldham had the chance to snatch victory with a penalty on the last play and though Megram struck the ball well, the kick dropped short.