ORUFC lose in ‘farcical’ conditions

OLDHAM RUFC lost 32–14 in what were described as farcical conditions at Workington on Saturday in North Lancs/Cumbria division.

Chairman of rugby Steve Fox declared that he had never witnessed a game played in such atrocious weather.

“The game should not have been played and the conditions made it a lottery. But as we had made the lengthy trip we were keen that it went ahead,” explained Fox.

Indeed, games nearby at Keswick and Wigton were postponed due to the gale-force winds and horizontal, driving rain.

Oldham gave a creditable account of themselves and held a 14-13 advantage with almost three-quarters of the game completed.

It was only in the latter stages that Workington took control, though Oldham still had chances as it was a game which could have swung either way.

But Oldham once again conceded too many penalties - the count went 17-8 against them - which gave Workington crucial possession in the terrible conditions.

Oldham made a dream start, taking a first-minute lead through a try from captain Gareth Barber who raced on to a Mark Goodman chip through. He converted his own score to make it 7-0.

Pack-man Rob Fryer was sin-binned early on and, while Oldham were reduced to 14 men, Workington hit back with a try from centre Dion Seath as the ball was swung out wide following a rolling maul.

It was not Fryer’s day as in the first half he also dislocated a finger, but continued after having it put back in place.

Oldham then conceded a penalty try as Workington finished the opening half 10-7 ahead.
Stand-off Kevin Harper, who had missed two conversions and a penalty in the opening half, finally found success with a penalty early in the second period as they increased their advantage.

Oldham displayed grit and determination to battle back with a try from Nathan Taylor, driving over the line following a rolling maul. Barber added the conversion as Oldham inched 14-13 in front.

Workington hit back with a penalty from Harper and converted try from prop Richard Baty. But, with five minutes left, Oldham came within a whisker of another try as Barber was tackled just short of the line.

Fryer, despite his scrapes, had a great game in the pack as did young front-row man Paul Wardle.