I expected a test — Benson

A CARNEGIE Challenge Cup tie in Cumbria against amateur opposition on a Friday night was not what Oldham boss Tony Benson would have chosen in a season when promotion is top priority.

Roughyeds were not at their best, but they edged home 22-14 to avoid a potential banana skin and to earn a place in this evening's fourth-round draw — when Super League clubs make their entry.

Speaking of Egremont's gutsy performance, he said: "They gave it to us, didn't they. It was exactly what I expected, as I have been saying ever since the draw was made.

"They were full of enthusiasm. They tackled tenaciously, especially near their line, and they ran harder than many professional clubs would have done.

"They scrambled well in defence and their goal-line defence was awesome.

"I didn't think the way we responded was bang on. They are a very good amateur side who played well, but we were not quite at our best.

"Still, I would have been happy to win by one point. And we didn't pick up any injuries to speak about, so I'll settle for that."



The full version of this story can be read in to tonight’s print and e-Chron editions