Mighty Megram nears 100 points landmark

Date published: 28 October 2014


Didsbury Toc H 1sts 13, Oldham RUFC 1sts 33

A FINE advert for North Lancashire Division One rugby saw Oldham maintain their lead at the top and stretch their unbeaten run to seven games.

But the 20-point margin of victory was greatly flattering as Didsbury produced some superb moves in the first half. Despite the scoreline, this was a victory for Oldham built on determined defence rather than enterprising attack.

Didsbury’s wingers had notched 14 tries in six previous games this season so Oldham were well aware of the threat. Didsbury made all the early running and held a 6-0 lead.

But Phil Conroy came to the rescue with the most fantastic of tackles and also stopped a two-man overlap with a powerful hit on the centre. As a result, Oldham stayed in contention and scored a try of their own in the 39th minute.

Ryan Pickles, an early replacement for injured leading try scorer Max Horsfall, made a scintillating break down the left and slipped a great pass to Josh Watson to go over by the posts.

Callum Megram converted and Oldham, somehow, led 7-6 at half-time.

Didsbury started the second half slowly and Oldham cashed in. Luke Roscoe – making his first appearance in 20 months after a serious ankle injury – Ryan North and Brian Massey all made big inroads before second row Jon Souter powered over by the posts following a deft pass by Gareth Barber.

This was followed almost immediately by a try for Pickles.

Two Megram conversions from these tries saw Oldham in the comfort zone at 21-6 ahead.

Didsbury fought back and spent 10 minutes in the Oldham 20 before scoring the try of the game.

With the referee allowing the game to flow, the large crowd witnessed a series of fine attacks and near misses before Oldham captain Barber, who is enjoying a rich vein of form, surged over in the

corner to break Didsbury hearts.

The final try was created by full-back Jordan Green and Watson who set up Megram for a 50-yard run to the line.

Megram converted to take his season’s tally to 97 points.