Familiar faces pile on the pain

Date published: 29 April 2013


OLDHAM 16, OXFORD 18
WHAT hurt the most? Dropping two more precious points or conceding defeat to Tony Benson and his Oxford team of Oldham old boys?

In terms of season prospects it would be unwise to read too much into it. The difference here was the inclusion in Oxford’s ranks of 10 former Oldham players, who followed their boss to middle England when he left Oldham.

Despite denials, this was always going to be one of Benson’s biggest challenges of the season, if not THE biggest.

Oxford fielded a starting 13 featuring a dozen players with rugby league in their blood. The one non-league man, Oxford University’s rugby Blue Sean Morris, looked to be the fastest threequarter on the field, let alone the quickest centre.

Half-back Brett Robinson, formerly of Wigan, Widnes and Rochdale, was streets ahead of the rest in putting boot to ball with telling effect, giving his side a huge kicking-game advantage which itself was one of the principal reasons for Oxford’s narrow, worthy victory.

Oxford were also the more experienced side, especially in the forwards.

Those of a Roughyeds persuasion, be it management, coaching staff, players and fans were distraught to see their young side slip to an 18-16 defeat, notwithstanding that each side scored three tries and all that separated them was a failed Lewis Palfrey conversion attempt off the touchline, which hit the near post and bounced out.

Oxford’s first try was the direct result of a wicked bounce of the ball, which caused Richard Lepori to slip while re-fixing his feet. An unforced error when he failed to collect a harmless-looking Brett Robinson kick led directly to Oxford’s second try, also near the posts, by substitute Matty Hadden.

And a handling mistake by Phil Joy set up position for the visitors to score their third try by Andrew Hoggins.

Oldham replied with a first-half try by Adam Files direct from dummy half and two more in the second half by the again impressive Danny Langtree.

Aspects of the Roughyeds’ game need looking at quickly. Far too many Oldham kicks were predictable or easy to clean up. And defensively the right flank looked dodgy at times, especially in the first half.

So no drama because Tony Benson was the one who laughed last; but some concern about the dropping of two more home points in a short season of only eight home games.

Few worries about the pack, but plenty to wrestle over so far with the halves and threequarters.