Oldham find focus after early errors

Photo: Tim Abram

ON THE CHARGE . . . the outstanding Tom Hannon bursts through Tyldesley challenges.

Tyldesley 9, Oldham RUFC 39

RUGBY UNION: OLDHAM recovered from an early deficit and loss of focus to record an ultimately comfortable victory in the North Lancashire and Cumbria League.

Not for the first time this season, Oldham gave away a spate of penalties and got on the wrong side of the referee. But they regained their composure and proved far too strong for their hosts.

Oldham had to make a number of changes after losing rugged prop Dean McEwan, Phil Graham and Ryan North. With Charlie Roscoe and Joe Hesse still unavailable, Robert Froggatt, Jason Green and a new, slimline Jack Sayle joined the squad.

Oldham started poorly and a dropped pass in the 22 from the kick-off presented Tyldesley with an attacking platform which immediately resulted in a converted penalty for a 3-0 lead.

The Oldham restart didn't go 10 metres, which handed possession back to the home team, who

proceeded to take good field position in the Oldham 22.

This was to be the pattern for the first 20 minutes and a further transgression in front of the posts saw Oldham drop six points behind.

It finally dawned on Oldham that Tyldesley, rather than the referee, were the opposition and, following a break down the right hand side, the visitors shifted the ball across the backs for Ryan Arundale to go over in the left corner. An excellent touchline conversion from Callum Megram gave Oldham a 7-6 lead from their first meaningful attack.

Soon after, Josh Watson spent 10 minutes in the sin bin for what seemed like nothing more than banter, and Tyldesley regained the lead following a penalty. Oldham spent most of the next 10 minutes vigorously defending their line, but also managed to break away, with Alex Jobson speeding in from the 22.

Leading 12-9, Oldham looked to stretch their lead before half-time and they did so when Arundale forced his way over in the corner and Megram added a superb conversion.

Oldham continued an upward curve in the second half with a try from Ryan Pickles and penalty by Megram. Leading by 18 points, they had the freedom to play some expansive rugby and they scored further long-range tries through Megram and hat-trick man Arundale, one converted.

Louis North made an impressive debut at 17 and looks a top prospect, but Tom Hannon was man of the match.