Agony for Roughyeds as they lose thriller against Knights

By Ryan Booth

Oldham RLFC succumbed to their first defeat of the Betfred League 1 season as York City Knights triumphed 24-22 in a thrilling encounter at the Vestacare Stadium.

A double from Matt Reid, alongside further scores from Danny Langtree and Ben West, were mere consolations, as tries from Matthew Marsh, Kieren Moss, James Donaldson and Joe Batchelor secured two vital points for the visitors.

Scott Naylor’s side headed into the showdown having gone 160 minutes of competitive rugby without conceding a single point.

However, the Roughyeds found themselves behind with just 11 minutes on the clock as Chris Siddon’s break forged an opening for Matthew Marsh to cross over the whitewash. Connor Robinson converted his first of four goals.

Oldham were rewarded for their perseverance when Reid touched down to claim his first try of the day in the 29th minute. Ever-reliable goal-kicker Paul Crook duly converted.

However, the visitors regained control and restored their lead as the experienced Ben Cockayne broke through the Oldham defence before laying the ball off to the onrushing full-back Kieren Moss who had the simple task of crossing over.

Robinson added the extras in what was the final point scoring action of the half.

Oldham responded well after the interval and found themselves level three minutes into the half - after forcing an early drop-out - David Hewitt found Danny Langtree with a sublime pass before the second-rower flew over the line, Crook landed the resulting goal.

Although Oldham had now settled in the contest, their resurgence was short lived when James Donaldson crashed over under the posts to restore the visitors’ lead after some good work from hooker Will Jubb.

Despite not taking the lead once, the Roughyeds showed a great sense of belief and desire to get back into the tie and their efforts were rewarded when Hewitt capitalised on a defensive error from Cockayne and found the unchallenged Reid who crossed over to claim his second try of the day.

Crook’s effort struck the underside of the posts before landing narrowly wide.

This miss would ultimately prove costly for Oldham, as minutes later the Knights were in again. This time Joe Batchelor picked up Robinson's grubber kick before touching down.

Robinson added the extras to preserve his 100-per-cent conversion rate and earn York a two score lead.

Oldham weren't down and out of it by any means and managed to claw themselves back into the tie yet again - a fine move on the left-hand side resulted in Ben West diving over to give Roughyeds some hope for the last 15.

Crook converted the goal, but Oldham were unable to salvage a point, though coach Naylor will be delighted with his side's spirit in what was an excellent advert for League 1.

Oldham: Johnson, Eccleston, Holmes, Reid, West, Crook, Hewitt, Neal, Hughes, Joy, Bridge, Langtree, Lannon.

Interchanges: Nelmes, Wilkinson, Bent Spencer.

York City Knights: Moss, Cockayne, Batchelor, Hey, Robson, C. Robinson, Marsh, A. Robinson, Ellis, Siddons, Horne, Scott, Spears.

Interchanges: Jubb, Donaldson, Roche, Porter.

Oldham scorers: Tries- Reid (29’, 55’), Langtree (43’), West (64’)

Goals- Crook (29’, 56’, 65)

York scorers: Tries-  Marsh (11’), Moss (39’), Donaldson (52’), Batchelor (63’)

Goals- Robinson (11’, 40’, 52’, 63’)

Chronicle Man of the Match: Danny Langtree

Referee: M. Griffiths

Attendance: 703