Ald’s well in the end for Oldham

Oldham RUFC 1sts 18, Aldwinians 1sts 6

OLDHAM remained third in the North Lancashire and Cumbria League table after a comfortable win in a match littered with penalties conceded by both sides.

For the second week in succession, Oldham turned out in their blue strip which, amazingly, was pristine despite the mudbath of the previous Saturday.

Groundstaff at Oldham worked wonders to repair the damage to the pitch, but the home side did not match their efforts in a particularly poor start to the game.

Aldwinians led 6-3, Callum Megram converting Oldham’s penalty, but as the first half progressed, the hosts applied more pressure and eventually went in front from the last play of the 40 minutes.

Aldwinians were just as guilty as Oldham in conceding penalties and from one such indiscretion, Will Mellor caught them napping, and freed captain Gareth Barber for a try in the corner.

CONTROLLING

The conversion attempt was missed and Oldham led 8-6 at the break.

Oldham performed much better in the second half, controlling the game for long periods.

Megram kicked a second penalty to extend the lead to 11-6 shortly after half-time and, after Ryan Arundale was denied a try by excellent defence, the ball was recycled for Rob Froggatt to go over for a try converted by Megram.

There were four yellow cards in the second half – two for each side – with Adam Waterhouse and Arundale spending 10 minutes off the pitch.

Oldham had enough of the game to secure a valuable bonus point, but they did not show enough composure at vital moments with overlaps too often ignored.

Man of the match was scrum-half Mellor who looks as lively as ever despite being one of the team’s senior players.