Max factor so important for Oldham

MATCHWINNER . . . Oldham’s Will Mellor scores his team’s third and decisive try in their victory at Trafford. Picture: TIM ABRAM.

Trafford MV 1sts 15, Oldham RUFC 19

RUGBY UNION: OLDHAM were deserved winners in a North Lancashire Division One clash involving teams who had won their first two matches.


Oldham hadn’t won at Trafford for several years and went into the game without prop Tom Hannon, who failed a late fitness test to be replaced by debutant Jack Sayle.

Oldham fell behind to a Ben Wheeler penalty in front of the posts and the visitors, who hadn’t conceded a try in their two previous fixtures, had to produce some ferocious tackles to keep their hosts out.

The tables were turned on Trafford when Charlie Roscoe drew cover and passed to Barber, who fed Max Horsfall to score. Callum Meagram converted to make it 7-3.

Wheeler’s second penalty, following a surprising high-tackle ruling, made it 7-6. Oldham bounced back when Martin Hamer fed Barber on the blind side. Josh Watson supported, and Horsfall went in at the corner for his second try.

Two more Wheeler penalties made it 12-12 at half-time and the hosts went ahead when Wheeler produced a fifth successful kick in the 60th minute.

Stung into action, Oldham hit back and Steve Adamson gathered an awkward bouncing ball at pace before feeding Will Mellor, who raced over near the posts.

Meagram converted to produce a final scoreline of 19-15 to Oldham, although Nick Hackman was forced to save them with a last-ditch tackle late in the match.