Oldham defeated on Merseyside

Oldham RUFC turned in an improved overall performance at Liverpool Collegiate, but eventually succumbed to a 32-20 defeat.

It was an important game at the bottom half of the league table, and Oldham welcomed back Nick Hackman and Ryan Pickles to bolster the team.

Oldham started the game off well, controlling possession and spending time in the Collegiate 22, but initially struggled to turn it into points.

That was until Stuart Brennan barged over for a trademark try, duly converted by Alex Jobson.

However, much like other games this season, Oldham switched off and following some good rugby in possession in the opponents' half, knocked on and Collegiate went up the pitch to score in their first trip to Oldham’s 22.

Oldham continued to dominate the scrum with Rhys Jones, Dean McEwan and Marshal Yates moving the scrum forward at every turn.

Oldham thought they were over through Hackman, but the ref ruled a knock-on.

Jobson turned pressure into points with two penalties, but another foray into the Oldham 22 saw Collegiate score again making the score at half time 13-12 to Oldham.

The second half was a different story with Oldham not being able to control either territory or possession, with Collegiate being clinical when in the Oldham red zone.

Oldham lost Rhys Jones to a sin bin halfway through the second half and they couldn’t really recover, with Collegiate running in two more converted tries and two penalties.

Oldham had another try disallowed with ten minutes left which could have then made it interesting.

With Collegiate losing a player to the bin, Oldham answered late on with captain Jack Taylor going over from a quick penalty.

Again it was converted by Jobson, making it 32-20 to Collegiate.

It was a better performance from Oldham, but possession needs to be turning into points if they are to escape the relegation trap-door.

Marshall Yates was awarded MOM for his best game yet in the front row.

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