Megram holds nerve in thriller

LOOKING AT YOU . . . Charlie Roscoe stretches his legs

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Oldham 1sts 29 Hawcoat Park 1sts 29

CALLUM Megram held his nerve at the death as Oldham Rugby Union Club firsts rescued a worthy North Lancashire and Cumbria League point.

With time running out, Megram slotted over a penalty to level a match which had seen the home side lead 21-3 at one stage.

Protecting a 100-per-cent record, high-flying Oldham did a lot of good things, but they were second-best in the line-out and were also guilty of conceding too many penalties.

The Manor Park men saw the return of Bobby Cullen, Ryan Pickles and Phil Graham. Dean McEwan also made his long-awaited comeback at hooker.

However, McEwan's return lasted no more than two minutes. After complaining of chest pains, he was taken by ambulance to hospital. He was later released after tests.

Hawcoat were quickly out of the blocks and opened the scoring when James Howden kicked a penalty.

Oldham responded with a converted Robert Froggatt try.

The hosts extended their lead moments later from the back of a scrum, Josh Watson setting up winger Alex Jobson. Megram kicked the conversion.

Although struggling at the line-out, Oldham were competitive everywhere else on the field.

Luke Roscoe stretched Oldham's advantage with a score by the posts ­- Will Mellor and Jordan McEwan were the instigators ­- and Megram converted for a 21-3 cushion.

However, with the penalty count mounting, they were pegged back in the corner, where on the stroke of half-time Ashley Mowatt went in and Howden kicked the conversion.

Dan White's try in the early stages of the second period cut the gap even further, but Oldham responded with a score from Charlie Roscoe in the corner. Megram's conversion attempt struck an upright.

Back came Hawcoat with tries from Scott Kaighan and Will Coles, both of which Howden converted, the second of which was an absolute beauty from the touchline.

Stunned Oldham were suddenly faced with a three-point deficit and the loss of 17-year-old Lewis North to a dislocated shoulder.

With the final whistle looming, Oldham were awarded a penalty and skipper Gareth Barber threw the ball to Megram, who kept his cool.

OLDHAM thirds/vets were handed the points as Heaton Moor thirds were unable to raise a team.