Benson pleased with cup victory

ROUGHYEDS coach Tony Benson admitted his side’s derby win was far from pretty — but felt it was important too.

A 22-14 defeat of Hornets RL at Sedgley Park sets Oldham up well for qualification from the Northern Rail Cup pool stage, having now picked up four points from two matches so far.

For the trip to Hunslet on Sunday, though, Benson knows things have to improve from a scratchy effort against opponents who were down to 12 men for almost half the game, following a red card issued to Dayne Donoghue for a late tackle on kicker Matty Ashe.

“It was one of those difficult games where we never got rhythm and never got started,” said Benson, who was forced to do without John Gillam in the opening stages after he hurt his shoulder.

“We couldn’t get going and I don’t think anyone enjoyed playing in it – I don’t know how it was to watch for the fans. It isn’t a game I will remember for a long time.

“We are very close to where we want to be and had we got a bit of rhythm it could have been quite a different game.

“We almost did something good, then it was broken down by a penalty. For us or against us, it had the same effect in slowing the game up.

“There was plenty of passion and some exciting play in patches. But it was so frustrating. The number of penalties was just too many.

“Then the scrums were breaking down. I don’t know what happened, but it was a mess.

“I am always happy to win against a Rochdale side, though. They were very courageous in the second half playing with 12 men and just kept on going.

“I take my hat off to them, but more so to us because we defended so well. We held tight on the line and showed good commitment in working for each other.

“There were patches in the game where we let slip a little bit and while I am not happy with it, I can understand why it happened.

“We have got a goal to qualify and we are halfway there.”

After the Hunslet game at the South Leeds Stadium on Sunday, Roughyeds hope to secure a new, permanent base in the borough by the following week when Sheffield Eagles are due to visit on Sunday, February 21.