Wake-up call for stunned Oldham

Date published: 24 February 2015


RUGBY UNION: 

Oldham 19, Didsbury Toc H 20

A LATE drop-goal condemned brave Oldham to a 20-19 defeat as they hosted Didsbury Toc H in North Lancashire Division One.

The Manor Park outfit is still clear at the top of the table, but this defeat served to show there is no room for complacency.

From the kick-off, Oldham showed the team’s prowess, the culmination of which was Stuart Brennan bulldozing his way over to make it 5-0.

But Didsbury came back at the hosts with force. Just after the half-hour they scored a well-worked try. With the goal points, Oldham ended the half behind.

As the second half started Oldham struggled to get hands on the ball. After 48 minutes the Manchester side made the most of an uncontested scrum to score an unconverted try to make it 12-5, followed 10 minutes later with another try to make the score 17-5.

Oldham eventually swung into action:. after 63 minutes great handling found Joe Hesse, who made space before sending in Ryan North in for a try converted by Gareth Barber. Oldham picked up and minutes later Oldham were 19-17 in front.

Didsbury did their utmost, worked the ball downfield and slotted over a drop-goal with three minutes to go. Oldham thought they had won in the final few seconds when Lewis Simister dived over - but the referee decided the final pass was forward.