Callum carves up Ashton

Photo: TIM ABRAM-

REACHING OUT: Callum Megram shows his commitment to the Oldham cause against Ashton.

RUGBY UNION: 

OLDHAM RUFC 56, ASHTON 1ST XV 15
NORTH Lancashire Division One pacesetters Oldham continued their superb start to the season with a stunning victory over talented neighbours Ashton.

In doing so, Callum Megram scored a hat-trick of tries, while Max Horsfall crossed the white line for the fifth consecutive game, the first time this has been achieved by an Oldham first-team player – or so club historians believe – since the Second World War.

Ashton went ahead through an early penalty, and Oldham had to wait until the 25th minute for their first try when Brian Massey took a tap penalty and forced his way over from 15 minutes, Megram converting.

Seven minutes later, Oldham increased their lead when Megram went over following a Horsfall break, and it was the latter who got on the scoresheet soon after when he sprinted over in the corner.

That gave a half-time score of 17-3 and Oldham soon extended their lead when Jordan McEwan got on the end of a flowing move.

Charlie Roscoe made a fantastic break to set up Horsfall for his second try and then got in on the act himself after being fed by Gareth Barber.

Megram scored two tries in rapid succession following more slick play, converting the latter as his own and team points tally continued to shoot up.

Ashton’s big forwards kept going well and a pushover try and a converted effort via a maul from the line-out added some respectability to the scoreline.

But Oldham had the final say via a penalty try converted by Megram and Barber’s first try of the season to give a comprehensive look to the scoreline.

Oldham’s discipline and defensive work were excellent and although many players were worthy of special mention, the man-of-the-match was scrum half Will Mellor.