Ridyard stars as classy Oldham take a point off Rams

Oldham's man-of-the-match Martyn Ridyard

Oldham and Dewsbury Rams, third and first respectively in Betfred League One, fought out a magnificent 26-26 draw at the Vestacare Stadium.

The Rams dropped their first league point of the season despite a late fightback which produced tries by David Dixon and Bailey O’Connor, both converted beautifully from wide out by Paul Sykes.

That put Rams 26-24 ahead with three minutes left, but with only seconds remaining Oldham were given a penalty near half-way and man-of-the-match Martyn Ridyard landed the pressure kick to produce the all-square result.

Oldham, still unbeaten at home, led 20-14 at half-time and stretched their lead to 24-14 with two more Ridyard penalties early in the second half - and they remained in front until three minutes from the end.

After the game, Rams head coach Liam Finn conceded that Oldham were the better side.

“They were outstanding,” he said, “and I don’t think they made a single mistake in the first hour.”

Oldham captain Ridyard, who also won the champagne-moment award for his equalising long-range penalty at the end, said: “I’m a bit sulky because I thought it was a point lost rather than a point won.

"We’ve been unable to get any attacking rhythm because we’ve not had rugby every week, but we do now and I think you’ll see an even better Oldham side in the next three weeks.

"I can’t wait.”

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