Roughyeds trio star for Ireland

OLDHAM Roughyeds players emerged unscathed and with enhanced reputations from Ireland's 31-30 Alitalia European Cup defeat by Wales in Neath.

John Gillam on the left wing and Wayne Kerr and Matty Ashe, both off the bench, helped the Irish to rock their more fancied opponents, who trailed

12-4, 18-14 and 24-20 before clinching a thriller with two late tries and a Lee Briers drop goal.

Ireland's star performer, though, was full-back Gregg McNally.

The Huddersfield Giants youngster, who spent much of last season on loan to Roughyeds, rattled up 18 points points with two tries and five goals from five attempts, including two off the touchline.

"Gregg had an excellent game, and all the Oldham boys went well," said Roughyeds boss Tony Benson, Ireland's assistant coach.

"Wayne was strong up the middle.

“Matty kept us going forward as replacement hooker, and John returned good ball, he took some tricky kicks and made excellent ground at crucial times.

“We scored five tries, including some beauties, and did enough to go into next Sunday's game against Scotland in Dublin full of confidence."

A crowd of 2,165 saw an evenly-contested game at the Gnoll in which the lead changed hands six times and the late Briers drop goal was to prove decisive.

France beat Scotland

26-12 in front of 7,150 fans to set up a decider with the other unbeaten side, Wales, in Albi.

The winners will be awarded a place alongside England, Australia and New Zealand in next year's Four Nations competition in the UK.


The newly-formed Roughyeds Supporters' Association is holding its first social event, a quiz and games night, at Whitebank tomorrow at 8pm. Cost per team of four is £10. Info: Paul Whalley, 07796 631192.