Waterhead slip up to fall from top spot
Date published: 25 September 2008
A VITAL stumble with a certain try in sight cost Waterhead the chance to stay at the top of the Rugby Oldham Challenge table.
With his side losing 20-18 at Eccles and Salford Juniors, Andrew Cheetham raced away from 50 metres out, only to go to ground with the line approaching.
To rub salt in the wound, Darren Nixon was then adjudged to have spilled the ball when taking it up from dummy-half, leaving the luckless Peach Road side with just one win from four matches in National Conference League division two.
"We only had 15 players due to late withdrawals and our average age was around 20," said Waterhead coach Mick Slicker.
"The lack of bench cost us. We lost Nick Johnson to a hamstring injury and Rory Freek with a calf problem after 40 minutes which meant we had no replacements left.
"The guys dug in, but it just wasn't to be on the day."
Saddleworth Rangers take over at the top following a 36-6 win at Ince Rose Bridge, despite only having played two matches so far in NCL division one.
The signs are good at present for new coach Keith Brennan, who has now seen his team concede only a single try in over two-and-a-half hours of rugby.
"It is something we have worked on and we are happy with the performance, especially with it being away from home," said Brennan, who admitted he was relieved that last night's scheduled home Standard Cup tie against Higginshaw was called off after the visitors couldn't raise a team, given the bumps and bruises in the Rangers squad.
Oldham St Anne's, second-bottom of NCL division one following a 30-24 reverse at home to Bradford Dudley Hill, now have Rochdale Cobras hot on their heels after the North-West Counties division six outfit pulled off a 42-6 home win over Bury Broncos.
Higginshaw, with two defeats from two so far, have yet to register a point in the competition.
o WATERHEAD’S Mick Fogerty has officially rejoined the professional ranks by signing for Rochdale Hornets, who have also re-captured former St Anne’s utility back Casey Mayberry.
