Oldham bow out of Lancashire Cup

RUGBY UNION: Oldham bowed out of the Lancashire Cup competition in agonising style, losing 11-10 at Wigan.

Oldham took the lead after a solid start when prop Tom Hannon barged over from close range.

The try went unconverted and Oldham lead 5-0.

The following 15 minutes then turned the tide of the game as Oldham lost four players to injury meaning that they had to use all four substitutes by half time.

All four were key players, which tested the resolve of the Oldham squad.

During this time two penalties conceded at the breakdown were kicked by Wigan to give them a 6-5 lead.

Oldham, however, then began to get their game back together.

Camped on the Wigan line twice, poor decision making cost Oldham points.

The second half saw Oldham initially under pressure, but with solid defence and the referee awarding Oldham a number of penalties at the breakdown they worked up field from rolling mauls and excellent pick and go at the ruck, and stand-out forward Stuart Brennan barged over, carrying three Wigan players with him, to make the score 10-6.

Again the try was unconverted.

The next 20 minutes saw Oldham defending and trying to get out of their own half as the younger, fitter Wigan team piled on the pressure.

Oldham again made their way to the Wigan line, but composure let them down once again.

Oldham looked like they had done enough to hold on until two minutes from time when Wigan finally went over the Oldham line which went unconverted as the hosts eventually ran out 11-10 winners.

Coach Jim Forster said at the end of the game that he could not fault the effort and defence of all the players.

“It’s pleasing to see the effort of the players who came in today and put a shift in," he said.

Oldham return to league action with a home game next against Ormskirk on Saturday at Manor Park.

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