Oldham bounce back against Cougars

by Ryan Booth

Oldham RLFC ended their two-game losing run in style as they cruised to a 32-18 victory over Keighley Cougars in an enthralling clash at the Vestacare Stadium.

Two tries from Lee Kershaw along with further scores from David Eccleston, Kieran Gill and Liam Bent ensured Scott Naylor’s men ran out comfortable winners despite almost blowing a 16-nil lead.

The Roughyeds made a flying start to the contest and opened the scoring with just two minutes on the clock as Eccleston finished off a cross-field move after diving over in the left-hand corner - although the ever-reliable Paul Crook failed to land the resulting conversion.

Oldham were over again just three minutes later, what looked like an obstruction caused the entire Keighley backline to pause and Kershaw capitalised on the lapse in concentration to cut inside and cross over - Crook then added the extras to give Oldham a ten point lead.

Scott Naylor’s side were in a ruthless mood and increased the margin between the sides soon after when recent arrival Gill exploited a gap in the Cougars backline before finding the onrushing Kershaw who touched down for his second.

Crook again converted the resulting goal.

Despite making a slow start, the visitors responded well and clawed their way back in 25th minute when Brad Nicholson powered over from close-range.

Benn Hardcastle added the extras to reduce the deficit to 10 points.

Nicholson’s score seemed to spur the Cougars on and they found themselves over again several minutes later when Josh Tonks dived over after some good work from Hardcastle and Matty Beharrell helped forge the opening - Hardcastle again landed the resulting goal.

Unfortunately for Oldham, the visitors weren’t finished there as Keighley earned a late penalty and opted to kick at goal. Hardcastle successfully converted the penalty to set up a tense second period.

Roughyeds regrouped at the break and earned some breathing space 11 minutes into the second-half when the lively Gill crossed over for his first try since returning to the club on-loan last week, before Crook duly converted.

Crook added another two moments later from the penalty tee, but Keighley responded and reduced the gap between the sides to six points when Adam Ryder charged over despite the best efforts of several Roughyeds defenders.

Oldham had the final say, however, when skipper Gareth Owen’s dummy deceived the Keighley line and the hooker put one on a plate for Liam Bent who made no mistake and crossed over.

Crook missed the resulting conversion, but did manage to land a penalty four minutes from time to complete the scoring and earn a vital two points.

Oldham: Hooley, Kershaw, Gill, McComb, Eccleston, Crook, Hewitt, Neal, Owen, Murray, Bridge, Langtree, Bent.

Interchanges: Spencer, Nelmes, Hughes Briscoe.

Keighley: Hawkyard, Dixon, Barnes, Ryder, Gabriel, Hardcastle, Fairhurst, Griffin, Wright, Bailey, Morris, Tonks, Emmett.

Interchanges: Beharrell, Law, Conroy, Nicholson.

Oldham Scorers: Tries-  Eccleston (2’), Kershaw (5’, 11’), Gill (51’), Bent (66’)

Goals- Crook (5’, 11’, 52’, 55’, 76’)

Keighley Scorers: Tries-  Nicholson (25’), Tonks (33’), Ryder (60’)

Goals- Hardcastle (26’, 34’, 40’)

Referee: Liam Staveley

Chronicle Man Of The Match: Lee Kershaw