It's another case of 'what could have been' for Oldham RU

Oldham RUFC's struggles continued as they were beaten 25-12 at Tyldesley.

With a strong blustery wind across the pitch, the game got underway with Tyldesley having the best of the opening exchanges.

Oldham’s defence allowed several runs coming through the middle with the Tyldesley capitalising to score after 15 minutes which was converted to give them a 7-0 lead.

It was at this point Oldham finally managed to control some ball to gain some momentum.

Lewis Ward, in only his second first-team start, showed great tenacity and is certainly a player for the future.

However, Oldham finally got over the Tyldesley line following one of the old guard.

Stuart Brennan ran one of his bullocking lines from a nice Tom Davies pass to cart wheel two Tyldesley players over and carry two over with him.

With Alex Jobson converting, that made the score 7-7.

Tyldesley seemed to kick back into gear again and following this were awarded a penalty which was converted to put them back up at 10-7.

Neither team could add to their scores in what continued to be a scrappy affair up to half time.

Tyldesley started off the second half better and after a number of penalties were given away by Oldham, they scored in the corner (unconverted) to make it 15-7.

Five minutes later it was 20-7 with their centre running a superb line to beat three Oldham defenders.

The signs were looking ominous for Oldham after losing Alex Jobson and Rhys Jones to injury.

However, Oldham then produced their best play of the afternoon with the forwards having joy picking and going at the Tyldesley forwards and enjoying some decent possession.

Oldham crossed again with Phil Conroy finishing off some neat interplay between Brennan, Davies and Ryan Pickles to make it 20-12 with 15 minutes to go.

Oldham again spent time on the Tyldesley line but could not muster any more points and with minutes left the Tyldesley scrum half scored in the bottom corner, although from the video analysis was clearly short to leave the final score 25-12.

It was another case of what could have been for Oldham as they slipped into the bottom three with one game remaining.

As earlier mentioned, Ward was a standout, as was Jack Taylor, carrying above his slight size and frame and the evergreen Paul Wardle carrying making hard yards as well as putting it in at scrum time.

However, for his constant ball carrying and going forward, Brennan was Oldham’s player of the match.

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