Vital win for RU men

OLDHAM RUFC’S third team won 24-17 at Village Spartans in a relegation dogfight in Division Four East.

It was a nerve-jangling afternoon for the Manor Park side as the lead changed hands four times.

Two tries each from Mike Douthwaite and Anthony Beswick, and two conversions from Mark Fitton, eventually gave Oldham the edge.

But if Oldham are to move away from the relegation zone, their tackling need serious improvement.

The ‘A’ XV’s winning run came to an end as they were beaten 20-3 at home by Broughton, also in Division Four East.

After three successive victories, the Manor Park side went into the match with confidence. And that did not look displaced when Danny Simpson kicked Oldham ahead with a penalty.

However, they were punished for some sloppy defensive work which allowed Broughton to break from the back of a scrum to score a try for a 5-3 advantage.

Oldham produced some excellent rugby in the second period, but Broughton defended resolutely to keep them out. They extended their lead with a penalty and sealed victory in the 65th minute with a converted try following a breakaway before adding a final try near the end.