KESWICK 18, OLDHAM RUFC 0 - Defeat for depleted RU men

OLDHAM RUFC’S defeat at Keswick in North Lancs/Cumbria division was hardly a surprise bearing in mind the depleted side they took to the Lake District.

Almost a full team was left at home with a total of 12 senior squad players declaring themselves unavailable for the trip to Cumbria.

It left the Manor Park side with a barely recognisable line-up, yet it was not until the final 10 minutes that Keswick sealed victory.

Oldham, who had lost four players earlier in the week, were devastated by the late cry-offs involving Will Mellor, Peter Scrivens, James Wilkinson, Mark Douthwaite, Matt Collins, Matt Brogan, Paddy Farnan and Rob Fryer.

And they were so stretched that Michael Ward and Ross Cooper played carrying injuries while veteran pack man Tony Bergin was forced off shortly before half time with an eye injury.

Oldham also had no recognised second-row forwards as Cooper and Adam Waterhouse filled in while Jack Taylor was a stand-in hooker.

Ben Storey gave Keswick a third-minute lead with a penalty, the only score of the opening period.

Storey doubled the home side’s advantage early in the second period with another successful kick.

But it was not until the 70th minute that Keswick sealed victory with a try from Joe Hine.

And, right at the death, Keswick touched down again through Mike Ireland with Storey adding the two extra points to give the hosts a flattering margin of victory.

There was a sense of disappointment for Oldham who knew, with a full squad at their disposal, that this was a game they would probably have won.