Oldham RU beaten in final game of the year

Oldham RUFC lost 26-5 at Littleborough in their final league game of 2023.

Early Oldham pressure could not be put into points and it ended up with Littleborough opening the score with a straight run finding a hole in the Oldham defence close to the ruck which they converted to lead 7-0.

Oldham kicked off and then managed to have a concerted effort of sustained pressure on the Littleborough line, but could not turn it into points.

Several times Oldham looked like they were in only for decent Littleborough defence to deny them.

Finally Oldham crossed following good lead up work from the forwards allowed good quick ball which made its way out for Jenson Hamilton to cross in the left corner.

With Alex Jobson missing the conversion that left Oldham trailing 7-5 at half time.

The feeling at half time was that Oldham were very much still in the game.

However, Littleborough know how to play on the sloping pitch and Oldham would have wanted a few more points for the pressure they had in the first half.

Oldham pretty much defended for most of the second half with only a couple of forays into the Littleborough half coming from defensive pressure.

The Oldham team defended with all they had but with some questionable refereeing decisions and two yellow cards ultimately Littleborough turned the pressure into points with two quick tries in the middle of the second half.

With one of them converted the score was 19-5 in Littleborough’s favour.

With the game going into the final stages Oldham attempted to cross kick from their own line which gifted Littleborough a final converted try, to leave the final score at 26-5.

A disappointing result to end 2023 with.

However, what cannot be underestimated was the commitment shown from the 17 that played in the match.

The returning Stuart Brennan was awarded man-of-the-match.

Oldham do not now play until January 6 when they welcome Hoylake to Manor Park.

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