Vase final joy for Oldham

Oldham captain Max Walsh shows off the silverware

Junior rugby union

Oldham RUFC under-15s secured Lancashire Vase Development Final glory, defeating Rossendale 31-27 in a thrilling clash at Manor Park.

Rossendale opened the scoring with an early unconverted try, but it was soon 5-5 when Josh Fitzgerald chased the ball and touched down.

The visitors' continued persistence paid off and they crossed the line again following a well-contested maul.

James Collinson then teed up Fitzgerald to scored his second try, and Collinson's brilliant conversion ensured Oldham went in at the break 12-10 in front.

After the restart, Toby Ryland-Jones outsprinted the opposing winger before placing the ball down in between the posts.

The conversion was executed with ease by Collinson.

The battle recommenced with Rossendale coming straight back at Oldham, scoring a try within two minutes from the forwards bulldozing the ball over the line. It wasn't converted.

Fitzgerald crossed again in this ding-dong clash, before Rossendale scored again and the score was now 24-20 to Oldham.

Absolute brilliant awareness allowed player-of-the-match Fitzgerald to cross again, and after Collinson also converted, Oldham were 31-20 in front and seemingly cruising to trophy glory.

However, Rossendale scored a converted try with three minutes remaining, but Oldham hung on to secure a famous win.