Much-changed Oldham RU edged out by Sefton

Oldham RUFC were edged out 25-21 by Sefton in an entertaining game at Manor Park.

Oldham, featuring 10 changes from the side that had played at Southport with several second-team players moving up following late injury and illness withdrawals, started brightly regularly foraging into the Sefton half, but the visitors defence held firm.

Sefton opened the scoring with a penalty to take a slender 3-0 lead after 20 minutes.

Oldham then snapped into gear as they got onto the scoreboard following a cross kick from Tom Davies which was challenged by Corey Kelly and with the ball bouncing Oldham’s way, Alex Jobson fed Adam Aubrey to touchdown in the corner.

Jobson missed the conversion, so Oldham were 5-3 up.

Oldham were starting to control the tempo of the game and then won two kickable penalties in quick succession with Jobson obliging to put Oldham 11-3 up.

Sefton hit back following a quick tap penalty in the Oldham 22 with Oldham not responding and the Sefton winger easily scoring in the corner.

It was unconverted to make the score 11-8.

Oldham then won a penalty with minutes left in the half and Stuart Brennan barrelled over, with Jobson converting to give Oldham an 18-8 lead at half time.

Oldham started brightly in the second half with Jobson adding a further penalty goal following a lineout penalty, but this would prove to be the last points Oldham could muster.

Sefton then took the game by the scruff of the neck as Oldham tired going into the last 25 minutes of the game.

They scored a converted try to make it 21-15 following good play from their forwards and then the killer blow for Oldham with around 15 minutes to go came.

Oldham were attacking on the Sefton 22 metre line when a dropped pass was kicked on by the Sefton fullback with him touching down and the conversion making it 22-21 in the visitors favour.

Oldham now needed an answer.

Try as they may, Oldham could not turn any possession into points.

A missed penalty kick and other attempts in the Sefton 22 went astray and with Oldham attempting to win possession back gave Sefton another penalty which they kicked to leave the score 25-21 at full time.

So it was heartbreak for Oldham having controlled the game for 60 minutes, but then running out of steam in the business end of the match.

A special mention to Reece Blakeley, Lewis Ward, Karl Shenton and Chris Brown stepping in from second team duties, all showing worthy of their spot and chance with the first team.

Man of the match went to Sean Carter, with the versatile player moving position to play in the back row from his normal spot at wing and showing his toughness and speed throughout.

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