Mellor helps Oldham back to winning ways

TRY TIME: Josh Watson dives over the line against Aldwinians. PICTURES by TIM ABRAM

WILL Mellor made a welcome return to action for Oldham Rugby Union Club firsts as they got over a sticky spell by defeating Aldwinians 32-6 at Manor Park.

Back to his mischievous best and keeping the visitors' defence guessing all afternoon, Mellor created the opening try to set the tone - though the magnitude of the final result was harsh on the visitors.

Oldham received from the opening kick-off and recycled well to clear their lines. With the team showing more composure than in recent weeks, Mellor spotted an unguarded blind side in his own half and darted down the right wing.

He gathered a lovely chip ahead and outpaced the defensive line, but the Winnies winger gave a fantastic chase across the paddock to bring him down just on the line.

Winger Ryan Arundale demonstrated the importance of support play and was on hand as Mellor showed a cool head to present him with the ball and he dived over to score.

Callum Megram landed a beautiful conversion from close to the touchline for a 7-0 lead and in a good spell for the hosts, also added a penalty.

Arundale went close to a second try before making it count from a cross-field kick by Gareth Barber and though Aldwinians kicked two penalties, Megram responded with one of his own and the 15-6 interval lead provided a useful cushion.

In the final quarter of the game, Oldham upped the pace and an attack down the left side penetrated deep with Nick Hackaman passing to Josh Watson to dive over by the posts with Megram converting.

Max Horsfall scored the bonus point try following forward pressure and good hands, with Megram again on hand to embellish the score.