Union team’s troubles mount

OLDHAM RUFC’S troubles are mounting following Saturday’s 50–24 home defeat against Burnley in their bottom-of-the-table clash in North Lancs/Cumbria division.

It was a costly defeat which resulted in the Manor Park side slipping to bottom spot after only one victory in their first six league matches.

And though Oldham scored four well-worked tries, the problems were defensively as they conceded eight.

Once again it was the lack of forward firepower which was Oldham’s undoing as they were even weaker than normal in the pack without the influential Rob Fryer, who was unavailable.

The damage was inflicted in the opening half-hour when Oldham struggled to win a scrum or lineout as Burnley made use of the possession to establish a resounding 38–0 lead.

Though Oldham rallied and made a fist of the match, there was little likelihood they were ever going to claw back such a huge deficit.

Whether Burnley relaxed and took their foot off the throttle is questionable, but Oldham hit back with two tries late in the half as they opened their account and reduced the deficit to 38–12.

Joe Hesse got Oldham on the scoresheet after good work from Michael Ward to create an opening for the youngster.

Ward also set up the second try, allowing captain Gareth Barber to score by the posts and convert his own score.

And it got ever better for Oldham in the second half as they scored two further touchdowns to reduce the deficit to 38-24 with five minutes left.

Barber made a break and kicked into the corner for Andy Gorey to win the chase to the line.

A weaving run from Will Mellor set up Barber for his second try and with Barber converting both tries, Oldham suddenly sensed a comeback might still be on the cards.

However, it did not materialise as Oldham, forced to take massive risks chasing the game, were twice picked off in the dying minutes as Burnley added two tries and one conversion to pile on the misery for Oldham while easing their own relegation troubles.