Depleted Oldham defeated at high-flying Eccles

Oldham's Tom Davies goes over for a try

Oldham RUFC returned to action with a 34-18 defeat at table-topping Eccles.

The visitors started brightly, and thanks to a fine try by Stuart Brennan after Lewis Fitton and Rob Froggatt had both gone close, and a touchline conversion and long-distance penalty by prolific points machine Alex Jobson (now with over 100 points this season), they took an early 10-point lead.

However, a series of infringements and the almost simultaneous sin-binning of two Oldham players gave Eccles the momentum.

They responded with two spectacular long-range tries using their outstanding pair of wingers to good advantage.

An exchange of penalties saw the half time score of 15-13 to the hosts.

Oldham, already with a depleted side, and a last minute cry-off, had performed superbly, non-more so than prop Paul Wardle who stopped two dangerous moves that seemed inevitable scores with outstanding cover tackles.

These efforts, plus his role helping Oldham’s powerful front row gain scrum supremacy, earned him a most well-deserved man of the match award.

The first scores in the second half were likely to be crucial, and Eccles immediately found a gap to extend their lead to 22-13.

Oldham desperately needed a try and came close when Brennan crossed the line on the hour mark, but unfortunately couldn't ground the ball through a posse of Eccles defenders.

As Oldham tired, Eccles with good handling, support and a willingness to counter attack from deep, extended their lead to 34-13 before Oldham scored a fine late try when good forward play had seen Ryan Arundale feed Tom Davies who sprinted over.

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