Successful run comes to a halt

Photo: Tim Abram

ON THE FRONT FOOT: Gareth Barber throws a pass for Oldham. Picture: TIM ABRAM.

De La Salle 1st 26, Oldham 1st 5

FOLLOWING six games unbeaten – the last two featuring bonus points – Oldham came down to earth with a crash in this North Lancashire and Cumbria Division fixture.

But their drop in standards shouldn’t take away from an excellent De La Salle display, which avenged defeat at Manor Park earlier this season.

Oldham had to make a couple of late changes when they lost Max Horsfall to injury and Jason Green to work commitments.Alex Jobson started on the wing and there was a place on the bench for Ryan Arundale, while Ryan Jackson made his last appearance before moving to pursue his dream in New Zealand.

Parading their new blue away strip, Oldham made some uncharacteristic mistakes, regularly conceding valuable possession too easily.

A series of drives saw the home side delve deep into the Oldham 22 and some weak tackling resulted in prop Steve Brooks going over near the posts to open the scoring. Chris Petrou converted to make it 7-0.

Oldham were unable to retain possession for any length of time and they didn't help themselves with some pretty aimless kicking which De La Salle returned with considerable interest.

At 21-0 down after only 22 minutes, it looked as if Oldham could be on the receiving end of a real hammering. But they managed to regroup and had the elements in their favour in the second half.

But some ordinary tackling didn’t do their cause any good.

With only pride to play for, Oldham showed some grit and had the last word when Gareth Barber went over in the right corner for a consolation try.

All credit must go to De La Salle for an excellent display which was good to watch.