Party time for RU heroes

Photo: TIM ABRAM-

Oldham Rugby Union Club’s first team celebrate their title success.

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OLDHAM RUFC duly clinched the North Lancashire Division One title with a 40-7 win at North Manchester, sparking huge celebrations which continued deep into Saturday night.

Coached and captained by Gareth Barber – one of only two squad members, with Will Mellor, over the age of 30 – Oldham’s home-grown talent have blossomed into a powerful and attractive team this term.

Only 24 players have been used during a campaign that would normally feature over 40 - testimony to the fitness and dedication of a team that led the division from the start.

Of those 24, 20 came through the Manor Park youth system and half were products of Failsworth School, under a programme supervised by Steve Tyrell and Eric Fitzsimons.

The average age of the Oldham team this term has been 23. Given their age and scope for improvement, that augurs well for next season’s North Lancashire and Cumbria Division season, which precedes a regional shake-up expected to pitch Oldham against clubs much nearer home in 2016-17.

The first team also contains four ever-presents, Callum Megram, who racked up more than 200 points, Jordan McEwan, John Souter and Nick Hackman. Six others missed only one game.

Oldham’s one remaining game of the season is at home to St Edwards OB on Saturday, April 18.