Roughyeds celebrate title victory in glorious style

Oldham crushed Workington 56-0 before lifting the League One title in front of the biggest crowd of the season at Boundary Park, as the Roughyeds finished the year with their best defensive record in 113 years.

Two tries each from captain Jordan Turner and winger Kieran Dixon did the damage in front of 2,681 vocal fans, but it was at the other end that Sean Long's men again impressed, with their seventh shut-out of the season confirming the best defensive performance from an Oldham side since 1911.

"We created some history today and that was a little carrot I dangled before the game," Long told Roughyeds TV.

"I am just so proud for the boys, so happy for them.

"We have worked our backsides off since November.

"The second half was a clinic and the lads looked like they were enjoying themselves and that is what it's all about."

With the title and promotion already secure, Oldham set about completing the job in style and did so with a 28-0 blitz in each half.

Despite the visitors starting well, Dixon opened the scoring when he pounced on a Danny Craven grubber and Adam Lawton took a short ball to power over for the second.

Man-of-the-match Matty Wildie darted over on his own for the third before captain Turner grabbed the fourth and Dixon's break allowed Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e to add a fifth before the break.

With the Roughyeds playing in a commemorative champions shirt there was no let up in the second half, as Craven dummied over for a customary try, Dixon touched down another Craven kick, and Turner added his second with perhaps the try of the match from a flicked PLT pass.

A fine Logan Astley individual score saw Oldham hit the half century and veteran Joe Wardle completed the scoring with a hack through and touchdown.

This was a stylish win built once again on Oldham's rock solid defence in front of another vibrant Boundary Park crowd, as Roughyeds' fans gathered en masse to celebrate a famous title win.

Emotional scenes followed the final hooter as the playing squad, staff and the club's board led by Mike Ford and chairman Bill Quinn raised the trophy aloft in front of a full Joe Royle Stand as Oldham booked their return to the Betfred Championship.

"This is a very special moment, for me, the town, the board, the sponsors and of course the lads," said Long.

"Without all these people this would not be happening and it will take a while to sink in what we have achieved. I'm a bit gobsmacked to be honest.

"The pressure was on when I first came here as we wanted to put a team together to get us promoted.

"Credit to all of the staff and players who have worked so hard, and to all the fans who have followed us everywhere - they have been unbelievable and it is humbling."

Captain Turner - who chose to sign for his hometown club rather than retire after a glittering career in Super League - said it was an emotional moment for him.

He added: "This means so much, it is the first time in my career that I have played for a club with a deep emotional connection.

"I am so proud of what we have achieved.

"Lifting a trophy with Oldham is something I thought I would never do in my career.

"This was unthinkable 18 months ago.

"There is a deep sense of accomplishment, I am emotional.

"The fire was burning in me when I came here and I have given my all for this club and will continue to do so."

Oldham team: Laulu-Togaga’e; Agoro, Jack Johnson, Turner, Dixon; Craven, Dean; T.Chapelhow, Wildie, Sidlow, Lawton, Wardle, Moran.

Subs: Aldridge, Josh Johnson, Kopczak, Astley.

18th man: Ben O’Keefe.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.