Leaders too strong

OLDHAM RUFC’S home campaign in North Lancs/Cumbria division finished on a disappointing note following their 34-8 defeat leaders Vale of Lune.

Yet the scoreline did not reflect the performance as Oldham were lively in the opening period and only fell away in the second half.

And it was a case of Vale of Lune taking the chances they created while the Manor Park side failed to do so.

Oldham’s pack was weakened by the absence of the injured pair Chris Heptonstall and Jack Taylor while scrum-half Peter Scrivens was also missing.

Rob Burston came in at prop, Jamie Edwards at hooker with Matt Collins at stand-off.

Oldham made a terrible start, conceding two tries in the opening 12 minutes to wingers Alistair Richards and and Neil Hull.

Stand-off Gareth Barber, who had a great game for Oldham, got the local side on the scoresheet with a 16th minute penalty but Vale of Lune extended their lead to 17–3 with a try from centre Craig Orrick which Neale Foster converted.

Oldham cut the deficit on the stroke of half time when the ball was worked along the backs and Adam Langley followed up his own grubber kick to score.

However, Oldham were sunk by two tries early in the second half as Richards and scrum-half John Bleasdale touched down.

Vale of Lune’s final try three minutes from time came after Oldham’s Tony Bergin was stopped on the try line. The visitors broke away to score through Neil Bennetts, a touchdown which summed up a frustrating afternoon.