Oldham RU get off the mark at home

It's been a difficult start to the season for Oldham RUFC, with countless injuries meaning unfortunately having to concede last week in what would have been a hard-fought local derby against Littleborough.

However, the depleted local side defeated Hoylake 33-17 in their latest fixture as they bagged their first win of the campaign.

From the first whistle it was clear Oldham were fired up for this one and put Hoylake under pressure deep in their 22 straight from the kick chase.

But a penalised Oldham player trapped in the ruck, meant Hoylake were able to clear their lines.

However, an overthrow at the lineout from the Hoylake hooker soon put the pressure back on the Wirral side.

A great clean up at the back from Hackman, released the ball to Rob Froggatt on a charging run, who offloaded out to the backs before some quick hands led to a fantastic acrobatic finish by winger Corey Kelly in the corner.

Froggatt missing the conversion 5 - 0.

This seemed to wake Hoylake up and a mistake from the kick-off, gifted them back with possession.

Some great carries by the prop and centre really began to put Oldham under the cosh, despite the best defensive efforts of Luke Ferrier and Tom Davies.

The build-up of pressure eventually led to a penalty in front of the sticks, where Hoylake capitalised and took the 3 points on offer. 5 – 3.

Hoylake looked to be on the ascendancy and straight from the Kick off carried strongly into the Oldham half.

Some patient defence from the Oldham side forced Hoylake to kick to relieve some pressure.

The pitch opened up following a great arcing run on the return from fullback Louis Fitton, before a neat chip through bounced perfectly into touch for a 50-22.

Oldham opted to drive before Rhys Jones splintered off. Some strong patient carries from Ferrier, Hackman and Marshall Yates forced Hoylake to concede a penalty close to the line.

Again, Oldham opted for the line to increase the pressure, but it was Oldham's turn for the overthrow.

However, were slightly more fortunate to have Froggatt pluck the ball from the air and stride over the line to score, before adding the extras himself. 12 - 3.

Hoylake came straight back from the kick retaining the ball from an Oldham mistake.

But the defence just couldn't be broke down with the fantastic efforts of Jack Taylor and Isaac Dobbs, driving the attackers back every time.

A collapsed scrum added to Oldham's injury woes which saw Jones leave the field with a shoulder injury.

With Jones off and Taylor up to hooker, on came Greg Higgins for his most impressive performance of the season so far with his barnstorming runs making in roads in the would be Hoylake defence.

He was joined by strong carries from Marshall Yates and Shaw who again really raised their games this week.

With Oldham back in the ascendancy, a neat cross field kick from Fitton bounced up perfectly for winger Reece Blakeley, who rounded his opposition winger and fullback for a great solo effort to score under the sticks. Conversion added 19 - 3.

With Oldham clearly enjoying their rugby, the next try soon followed after another jinking run from Fitton, offloaded to the flying winger Blakeley who was stopped just short of the line.

Some quick hands along the line, allowed Kelly to wrong foot his winger and hot step over for his second of the afternoon and securing the four-try bonus.

Froggatt again adding the extras 26 - 3.

Oldham hadn’t finished yet and a poor clearance kick from Hoylake was controlled by Taylor who quickly unleashed Froggatt, who in turn carved through the defence to go over for his second try of the game too.

He again added his own extras, half time score 33 - 3.

Again, a much improved performance by the men in red and white from all areas of the pitch especially in defence.

A couple of changes of personnel at the half, saw Piddington and Walker enter the pitch.

The game resumed much the same with Oldham on top, the game being bossed by half backs McEwan and Davies, really directed the flow of the game.

Continuing strong carries by the pack, Andy Birch and Watson continued to but Hoylake under pressure.

However, ill-discipline and poor decision making got the better of the Oldham team in the second half.

With four yellow cards, one leading to a red, Oldham were up against it.

Credit to the defence they stayed strong and kept Hoylake at bay for large areas at the game.

With the lack of numbers Oldham struggled to put anything meaningful together in attack.

It was in fact the Wirral side who had the more fruitful of halves scoring two tries after a build up of pressure on the Oldham line.

A huge credit must be given to Hoylake who never gave up.

The final score was 33 - 17.

It was a much-improved performance and more importantly the first win of the season.

Hopefully Oldham can keep the squad together and build on this success in the coming weeks.

Man of the Match was given to Froggatt for an outstanding performance in both 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.