Depleted RU enjoy double delight

MAKESHIFT Oldham RUFC secured their first double of the season in North Lancs/Cumbria division with a valuable 19-10 victory against Fleetwood at Manor Park.

It was a win which keeps Oldham clear of the relegation places and leaves the Fylde team rooted near the foot of the table.

Oldham’s already weakened team was depleted further by the late withdrawals of Michael Ward, James Wilkinson and Ian White.

But there was some cheer when Steve Molloy, previously one of the absentees, made himself available at the last minute.

Molloy, who usually plays in the pack, had a fine match at centre alongside two-try Andy Gorey, who had another stormer.

The youthful new half-back pairing of colts Matty Collins and Mark Goodman also showed up well.

Oldham took the lead midway through the opening period thanks to a try from Adam Langley following a neat move along the backs, the only score of the first half.

They extended their advantage early in the second period with a try from Gorey after an excellent handling move which began on their own defensive line. Goodman kicked the two extra points.

Oldham struck again in the 50th minute when the Fleetwood centres dropped the ball and Gorey hacked forward to score, with Goodman adding the conversion to stretch the lead to 19-0.

It should have been plain sailing from then on, but late Fleetwood tries from Lee Jones and Scott Astin ensured a nervous finish.