Gutsy Oldham RU edge out Collegiate

Marshall Yates in action for Oldham. Image courtesy of Tim Abram

Liverpool Collegiate were Saturday’s visitors to Oldham RUFC's Manor Park and although they are enjoying mixed fortunes this season they hoped to repeat last season's victory.

However, the loss of a player, sent-off in the very first tackle of the game (largely thought of as badly-timed and not malicious) gave them a mountain to climb and Oldham eventually prevailed 23-21.

Both sides struggled throughout for consistency and patches of good enterprising rugby were matched by poor decision-making and simple handling errors particularly in attacking positions.

Half-time saw Oldham leading 11-10, but Collegiate scored a fine try immediately after the restart.

15-11 to them and midway through the half it was 21-16 to the visitors but Lady Luck at last smiled on Oldham as the Collegiate kicker, a fine player and normally outstanding kicker failed with three attempts he would normally have slotted over, and seemingly certain tries were stopped at the last second by superb individual defence by Phil Conroy and Brian Massey.

21 -16 and less than five minutes to go saw Oldham power forward from a 20 metre line-out and the irrepressible Jordan McEwan dived over near the corner and prolific points-scorer Alex Jobson calmly added the extras to give Oldham the lead which, to the delight of players and supporters alike they held on to.

Oldham were well served by captain Nick Hackman who relished his promotion to the front row and the rest of the hard-working pack particularly Mr Consistency Isaac Dobbs, the back row of Rob Froggatt, Jack Taylor and a very worthy man of the match Brian Massey, whilst winger Reece Blakeley always looked dangerous despite limited possession and hooker / scrum-half Jordan McEwan showed his customary quick-thinking and vision.

Other tries were scored by Brian Massey, and Greg "the Professor" Higgins, whilst Alex Jobson's eight points secured a victory all local supporters hope leads to more success in the run-in to Christmas fixtures .

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.