Roughyeds must kick on – Benson

ROUGHYEDS coach Tony Benson paid tribute to the opposition following the 32-14 win at Hunslet, but admitted he is seeking bigger and better things from his side in the future.

Oldham secured qualification for the quarter-finals of the Northern Rail Cup after coming from 14-10 down at half-time to win at the South Leeds Stadium, with centre Paul Reilly notching a hat-trick of tries.

But the home team, without a win this season, certainly gave Oldham a run for their money with a battling first-half effort.

“Full credit to Hunslet,” said Benson, whose only minor injury worries to emerge were Thomas Coyle, who hurt a thumb in the warm-up, and Reilly, who came off the pitch with a dead leg.

“They came out fighting and really put us under pressure, showing just what a good side they can be.

“We didn’t react well to it and it was a good lesson for us.

“We went away from our game plan and ended up playing as individuals. It showed.

“At half-time we regrouped, got to our plan and stuck to it.”

Benson was also pleased to see Reilly mark his first start with a treble, but was more impressed with his efforts without the ball.

“His defence was really good,” Benson added. “We needed an improvement from him after the Sheffield game and we got it.

“There is lots of room for improvement throughout the team and we will be working hard to get that before our first Championship One game.”

The NRC quarter-final draw will be televised at half-time during the Co-operative Championship match between Widnes and Toulouse on Thursday, March 12.

Meanwhile, Oldham have slashed ticket prices for this Sunday’s home Carnegie Challenge Cup third round tie against Sharlston Rovers.

Adults now pay just £10 at Boundary Park (both upper and lower tiers), with £5 concessions, including children. Season ticket holders gain free admission as part of the pre-existing deal.


THE reserves triumphed in their first run-out of the season on Friday night, winning 28–6 away at Hunslet.