Giant stride in title quest

RUGBY UNION: 

Garstang 1sts 20, Oldham 1sts 24

NORTH Lancashire Division One title favourites Oldham looked to be cruising to victory, but had to endure a tense finish as their determined hosts hit back.

Oldham travelled to Garstang on the back of two defeats and knowing their opponents hadn’t lost at home this season. With only three games left, the title is within touching distance for the Manor Park side and this excellent win proved a step towards the goal.

Max Horsfall retained his place in an almost unchanged squad and one which is predominantly made up of players who have come through the Oldham youth set-up.

Oldham took time to find their feet, but broke through in the 20th minute Ryan Pickles was set up to dive over.

Jordan McEwan had to quit with suspected concussion, and Oldham suffered another setback with the concession of a converted penalty before half-time.

But the division leaders started the second half with more intensity and from a scrum just inside the Garstang half, got the ball to Callum Megram, who raced through weak tackles to score a try he then converted.

When Joe Hesse scored another try, Megram converting again, Oldham led 19-3 and it got even better when Phil Conroy completed a flowing move.

Oldham led by 24-3, but two Garstang tries, one of them converted, reduced the deficit to nine points.

After player-coach Gareth Barber was sent to the sin bin, Oldham had to endure a nailbiting last few minutes, but they hung on for a vital win.