St Anne’s let big lead slip

RUGBY: OLDHAM St Anne’s wasted a healthy lead in a points’ bonanza at Ovenden in Division Two of the Kingstone Press National Conference League.

Saints had a settle for a share of the spoils in a 46-46 draw. They had held an 18-point advantage with 10 minutes remaining against one of their early promotion rivals.

The visitors to Halifax controlled the first period, with tries from Chris Carter, Grant Hudson, John Deakin and the impressive Kendal Davies (two), plus Kiel Lancashire’s five goals, forging a 30-20 lead.

Niall Brady, Martin Mullen and Sean Dyson crossed for Ovenden. The latter also landed two conversions.

In the second half, full-back Alan Williamson sprinted 70 yards and his final pass allowed Davies to register a fine hat-trick.

Ovenden full-back Luke O’Mara replied, but when Dominic Igoe barged over, followed by a Carl Sneyd effort after a superb break from Nathan Jewitt, Saints moved 42-24 clear.

The points continued to flow, with Shaun Smith going in for the home side and Lancashire side-stepping three, would-be tackles at the other end before touching down.

Clutching such a big lead, Saints then appeared to switch off. Ovenden stormed back with tries from Greg Firth and Jamie Silcox, before Jason Dodd dived in with seconds remaining on the clock. Nathan Smith held his nerve to kick all three goals to level things up.

The point lifted Saints to second in the table.