Nine-try Roughyeds off to a flying start

Oldham managing director Mike Ford

Sean Long's Roughyeds, using a 25-man squad that included 16 debutants, got off to a highly encouraging start with a 46-10 trouncing of Keighley Cougars in a pre-season warm-up game at Cougar Park.

Looking keen to express themselves in possession and determined to work hard and to tackle with gusto in defence, Oldham scored nine tries and conceded only two – the first a softie that would normally have been prevented easily and the second a long-range interception that was completely against the run of play and came at a time when Oldham were attacking strongly and looking likely to score themselves on the left flank.

Their tries were scored by Craig Kopczak, Logan Astley, Pat Moran and Mo Agoro in the first half and by Ted Chapelhow, Emmerson Whiittel, Cian Tyrer, Nick Rawsthorne and Ben O'Keefe in the second half when Long's men were at their best playing up the renowned Cougar Park slope.

Wiser fans know not to get too giddy about a nine-try win and a good performance in the first pre-season friendly, but for starters this was hugely encouraging for all concerned, writes Roger Halstead.

Top men in the backs were full-back Astley, right centre Ben O'Keefe and half-backs Danny Craven and Matthew Wildie – normally a hooker but starring here at scrum-half – while in the forwards props Craig Kopczak and Owen Farnworth were the stand-out players.

Oldham led 20-10 at half-time, and went on to completely dominate the second half.

Said Long: "We were a bit sketchy in the first half, but I was very happy indeed with what we produced in the second half." 

Managing director Mike Ford added: "We are a very big side and for me our extra power and strength up front was one of the crucial factors."

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