Errors prove costly again for Oldham

A bumper crowd at Manor Park saw Oldham RU turn in a gutsy display in a 23-19 defeat at the hands of Tyldesley.

Oldham faced their great rivals with probably the strongest side they have had since before Christmas, and the sizeable past-player’s reunion crowd were treated to a superb first half of entertainment by both sides.

Tyldesley were first on the board with a simple penalty, followed by a fine try out wide after swift handling as they made it 10-0.

However, Oldham hit back superbly.

The ever-alert Alex Jobson seized on a stray pass to score a fine interception try, followed by a effort from front row forward Dean McEwan which was one of the best solo efforts seen at the club in many a season.

He found himself in possession facing a massed posse of defenders some 25 metres from the line.

He showed a multitude of attacking skills, a shuffle, a side-step, a swerve, a sprint and a hand-off before crashing through a final attempted tackle to ground by the sticks.

It was a try to remember and cherish, and two Jobson conversions made it 14-10 at half time.

An early second-half score by Nick Hackman, who despite the best efforts of several defenders forced his way over in the corner, saw Oldham lead 19-10.

Surely Oldham were on the way to victory!

What happened next will come as no surprise to those who have watched Oldham’s recent games, however.

A couple of handling errors deep in opposition territory, a couple of contested decisions, a string of penalties against (seven consecutive ones at one stage), the now inevitable yellow card, increasing frustrations, whist Tyldesley grew in confidence from the easy yards gained from the penalties, a very efficient line-out and the huge possession and territorial advantage they were enjoying.

A converted try in the corner made it 19-17 with 15 minutes to play.

Oldham could not be faulted for their passion, enthusiasm and effort, but how they badly need an "old head" who can calm the troops and control play to see the game out.

Despite magnificent individual and team goal line defence by the home side, Tyldesley had no difficulty in converting two simple penalties to gain a 23-19 victory.

Oldham had scored three tries to two, crossed the line three further times (but were held up on each occasion), yet still failed to secure that much-needed victory.

Individually, Oldham were well served in defence by all 17, but as an attacking force they lack a team cohesion and sadly, until more players can regularly attend training together, this will remain a well-nigh impossible solution for the coaches.

The man of the match award went to Jobson for another outstanding game in attack and defence.

---

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.