Halsall wings it in defeat

Date published: 21 May 2013


DESPITE right-winger Mike Halsall’s two well-finished tries in the corner, Oldham RL under-20s were beaten 36-24 by York City Knights at Whitebank.

Halsall was switched from full-back to wing to make way for first-teamer Steven Nield, who fashioned each of the winger’s tries by linking up with the threequarters and creating space for Halsall with wide, cut-out passes to the flank.

But Halsall still had plenty to do to find the line and touch down.

His second try, 10 minutes into the second half, edged Oldham in front for the third time at 18-16, but the home side failed to deal with York’s restart kick in what turned out to be the defining moment of the game.

Roughyeds paid heavily for their lapse and York scored three tries in 10 minutes to take the game out of reach.

Said coach Costin: “It was the fastest, most intense game we’ve had all season. York would have found us unrecognisable from the side they beat easily in a pre-season game.

“Most of the boys are very young for under-20s rugby, but we are moving in the right direction.

“There were some very good performances.”