Fatigue took its toll – Benson

TONY BENSON admitted Oldham suffered from a fatigue factor in yesterday’s 34-22 defeat by Sheffield.

The visit of the very impressive Co-operative Championship side to Boundary Park represented the Roughyeds’ third match in 10 days and, despite mounting an impressive second-half revival, coach Benson’s men were ultimately just about second best on the day.

“We are all very disappointed in ourselves,” Benson said. “We are not looking for excuses, but I think it was one game too many. If not physically then mentally, it was tough for the players to get up for three games in such a short space of time. It was probably the difference.

“Looking in the changing room before the game I knew we weren’t quite up the way we normally are. It was just one of those games.

“It was a day also where decisions didn’t go our way. It all combines to make it a tough day at the office, but we never rolled over and that is something I am proud of.

“We kept pushing and fighting until the end.”

Benson also paid tribute to the spark injected into Oldham’s second-half game following the reintroduction of two-try Jamie I’Anson, who helped lay a platform which almost resulted in the home side coming back from 20-2 down to snatch the lead.

But Wayne Kerr’s effort, which would have given Andy Ballard a conversion attempt straight in front for a 22-20 lead, was disallowed for a forward pass from Phil Joseph.

“From the distance I was away it was very hard for me to judge it (Kerr’s disallowed try) and I am sure the touch judge had a good view,” Benson said. “We have to accept it and move on.”

The result leaves Oldham second in NRC pool one, in all probability needing victory at Hunslet on Sunday (2pm) to ensure qualification to the quarter-finals.

OLDHAM’S reserves play their first pre-season friendly of the season on Friday night away at Hunslet (7.30pm kick off).

A number of first-team players yet to have played in a competitive fixture are expected to feature.

A SUPPORTERS’ bus to Hunslet on Sunday has a booking deadline of 5pm on Wednesday.

Pick-up points are at the social club in Werneth (noon) and the Black Horse on Ripponden Road (12.15pm).

The cost per person is £10. Call Joyce Pilkington on (0161) 665 1832 or Janet Yewdale on (0161) 628 3677.