Under 18s remain unbeaten

Oldham Service Area

OLDHAM Service Area under-18s extended their unbeaten record to four years as they won the North-West Carnival at Hopwood Hall.

They thrilled the spectators with some expansive rugby, but their rock-solid defence stood out as well as they conceded just eight points in three games.

After a hesitant start, Oldham overcame Salford 8–0 with tries from Michael Ward and Lewis Straughn.

They had to come from behind in their semi-final against St Helens before coming through 12-8.

Danny Moran scored Oldham’s first try, with Saints hitting back to take an 8–4 lead.

But the local outfit were not behind for long — Michael Ward went over to level things up — before winger Tom McMullen scored late on to seal victory.

The final against Leigh proved a hard-fought affair with the only score of the game coming courtesy of an Ethan Langhorne effort.

The Oldham players are now waiting to see if their efforts have attracted the attention of the North-West area selectors.

They are set to name a squad for a regional carnival later this month, after which a Great Britain team will be chosen to play France and other International games.

Oldham squad: Ethan Langhorne, Anthony Morrison, Josh Brown, Steven Nield, David Orwell (all Saddleworth), Jake Burke, Callum Leigh, Jordan Pye, Lewis Straughn, Patrick Toft, Sean Garrett, Tom Whitehead, Tom McMullen, Connor Martin, Adam Newton (all Waterhead), Josh Denbeigh, Jordan White, Musadik Khan, Danny Moran, Michael Ward (Oldham St Anne’s).