Roughyeds coach bemoans sin-bin call

Photo: ANTHONY MILLER

Scott Naylor takes in the agony of last-four defeat.

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BRAVE Oldham fell just short when beaten 18-16 by North Wales Crusaders in last night’s iPro Sport Cup semi-final at Whitebank.

It was the Roughyeds’ first home defeat in 18 months - and one coach Scott Naylor believed hinged on referee Dave Merrick’s decision to put George Tyson in the sin bin just after half time.

“That made all the difference and I believe it was a wrong decision,” said the Roughyeds coach. “I feel for my lads because they gave everything they had to give, but it just wasn’t our day.”

Tyson was shown the yellow card for making contact with former Oldham player Jamie Dallimore.

While Tyson was off the field, Crusaders took the lead for the first time.

Dallimore chased his own kick to extend the visitors’ lead midway through the second half, but in a thrilling finish Oldham cut the arrears to two points. With three minutes left, Oldham couldn’t unlock the Crusaders defence again.

Naylor added: “Congratulations to Crusaders. It’s no mean feat to come here and beat us on our own pitch. It’s indicative of the sort of club they are.

“That said, it was harsh to put Tyson in the bin. We didn't manage it properly when we were down to 12 men. It’s been a learning curve for us. We’ve still got a lot to learn.

“Our middle unit was outstanding. I’d like to thank the fans for coming out to support us on a Wednesday night. We couldn't deliver for them, but it wasn't for a lack of trying.”

Roughyeds are at home again on Sunday (3pm) against Coventry Bears — Oldham's first home league game of 2015.

Among the crowd at the game was RFL chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer, who said afterwards: “It was an outstanding game of rugby league between two completely committed teams. It was great.”