Takila injury mars Oldham's first away win of the season

Oldham's Cameron Wood in full flight against Liverpool Collegiate

Gutsy Oldham RUFC notched up their first away victory of the season - 21-20 at Liverpool Collegiate.

However, the joy of victory was tempered by a serious ankle injury to outstanding back-rower Adam Takila - his third devastating injury in recent seasons.

Oldham were on the scoreboard as early as the second minute when the ever-alert Jensen Hamilton chased a huge clearing kick by Tom Davies and turned what seemed like a lost cause into a score in the corner.

A fine conversion by Alex Jobson, who is already closing in on 100 points for the season, saw Oldham in front and this promising start was a sign for the backs to play some enterprising rugby despite difficult conditions and a narrow pitch.

The second try was not long in coming as scrum half Jordan McEwan sped over after a finely timed inside pass from Hamilton, who had broken clear, after neat handling by all the back line.

Two penalties to Oldham, both converted by Jobson, and one to the home side saw Oldham leading 18-3 at the break despite the home team dominating both possession and territory but not looking likely to cross the line as Oldham’s defence held firm with back-row trio of Andy Joy, Ryan Pickles and Takila in fine form.

How quickly things can change.

Two early converted tries by Collegiate, the injury to Takila, (who spent two hours, disconsolate and in pain, on a stretcher waiting for an ambulance) saw the home side gain momentum and spend long periods in Oldham's half, with talented fly half Chris Lloyd and his powerful, intelligent kicking and directing proceedings.

A rare foray into the opposition 20 saw a penalty by Jobson take Oldham to 21 points, but soon Lloyd made it a one point game and from that moment Oldham, were forced to defend superbly, twice preventing opponents who had crossed the line from grounding the ball.

Isaac Dobbs continued his fine run of form, and both he and his second row partner Cameron Wood, who got the MOM award from both Oldham and the opposition, constantly made inroads into Collegiate’s stubborn defence

Oldham managed to avoid giving a kickable penalty away - as in last season fixture when a successful last-minute touchline penalty secured the points for Collegiate - and they managed to hang on.

There was understandably huge relief on the faces of players and spectators when the referee, who had an excellent game throughout, blew for time.

There is no fixture this weekend, and then two home games give Oldham the opportunity to extend their winning run and move out of the relegation zone before Christmas.

Fingers crossed for good news of Takila and availability of players for these upcoming fixtures.

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