Super Oldham clinch League 1 title glory

Oldham RLFC clinched their first league title in nine years as a 20-12 victory at Keighley secured automatic promotion to the Betfred Championship.

Two early tries from former Cougars winger Mo Agoro laid the platform, with Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e also crossing early, and George Hirst’s second-half score sealing it.

It means Sean Long’s side have an unassailable five-point lead with just two games to play, at home to Cornwall and Workington.

“When I spoke to Bill Quinn and Mike Ford last year about coming on board and they showed me their vision it was a no-brainer,” Long told Roughyeds TV.

“Without Bill and Mike this wouldn’t be possible.

"The fans got us home, but it all starts from the top and the support Bill and Mike have given me and the team. Without them this wouldn’t be happening."

Long recalled Agoro and Jack Johnson down the right edge for Cian Tyrer and Jack Johnson and Agoro was the beneficiary as the Roughyeds started with a bang.

The winger had already been denied a try in the corner when he finished off a flowing move for the first try of the game, Kieran Dixon off target from the touchline.

After George Flanagan was denied a try at close range, Oldham struck again as a set move from the scrum sent Agoro in for his second, Dixon again off target as the visitors led 8-0.

PLT then dummied over from dummy half as Dixon converted for a 14-0 lead and the Roughyeds were roaming to the title.

A Brandon Pickersgill try before half-time after good work from the lively Oscar Thomas gave the Cougars hope, and the home side enjoyed an extended spell of pressure on the Oldham line faster the break but Long’s men stood firm.

George Hirst struck the decisive blow when he powered over from close range before sin-binnings for Ellis Robson and then Owen Farnworth saw a disjointed second half seesaw back and forth.

Robson scored late to give their hosts a glimmer but Oldham’s would not be denied a famous title win.

“We had to work really hard. I thought for the first quarter we were in control but we knew that there going to have their moments and we would have to hold our nerve and keep them out,” said Long.

"I thought our defence was really good.

"We were a bit scratchy second half but sometimes you have to win ugly.

"We have come a long way since we last lost here and I thought we did a professional job at what is a tough place to come.

"I said to the lads that these days don’t come around very often so enjoy it.

"We will enjoy the next two weeks playing together, we have been a team since November, so we will make the most of this and enjoy it.

"We have two games to go so I want as many fans to get to Boundary Park as possible so that when we pick up the title in front of a big crowd.”

Oldham team: Laulu-Togaga’e, Agoro, Jack Johnson, Turner, Dixon, Craven, Ellis, Farnworth, Wildie, T Chapelhow, Taylor, Hirst, Moran.

Subs: Aldridge, Kopczak, Sidlow, Lawton.

18th man: Tyrer.

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