Centre relives first-try feeling

Date published: 24 March 2014


YOUNG centre Edwin Okanga-Ajwang scored his first try in senior rugby in Oldham’s nail-biting 18-16 win at London Skolars.

The 19 year old, at Whitebank on dual registration from Salford Red Devils, intercepted midway through the first half and scored from long range. It was a magical moment for the sports student, who has lived in England for nine years.

He made his debut in senior rugby off the bench in Oldham’s Challenge Cup win at Egremont, but he was in the starting line-up for the first time at Skolars.

“It was a fantastic feeling to score my first try at this level,” he said. “I could see I had a chance to intercept as the ball came across the Skolars line so I thought I’d go for it. I had a fair way to run, but I made it.”

That try, and a brilliant try-saving tackle in the dying seconds by winger Mo Agoro, were key moments in a win which keeps Oldham in second place in Kingstone Press Championship One.

With eight points from a possible nine they are one point behind York City Knights, who have won all three of their games so far.

Roughyeds are without a game on Sunday - perhaps welcome, with Liam Thompson, Dave Cookson and Adam Files on the injured list.

Though still unbeaten Naylor’s men have not yet found their best form. But forward Mark Hobson believes there’s no cause for concern.

“We started last season even slower than this one,” he said. “At this stage last year we had lost our first two home games, then we got our act together and went on to lose only one more game in the whole of the season.

“This time we are playing some dumb football at times and it is costing us. But we are second in the league and we haven't been beaten. It’s only a matter of time before we start to gel again.”