Early burst sets RU men on way

A strong-looking Oldham Rugby Union second team travelled to Glossop where a scintillating first-half performance steered them to a 29-19 victory.

Oldham scored twice in the opening 15 minutes of the encounter, the first coming after a quick tap-penalty, the ball eventually being touched down by Mike Douthwaite.

Ziggy Vatikions then took centre stage as he burst through several Glossop tackles to score between the posts, Danny Simpson duly adding the conversion.

Simpson then scored a penalty before the hosts finally managed to string an attacking move together which saw them score a converted try.

Oldham debutant Mark Martin scored a try with his first touch of the ball as they regained their impressive lead, Simpson again converting.

Another converted try for the visitors before the interval came courtesy of a great solo effort from Will Mellor giving Oldham a commanding 22-point lead at the interval.

The Oldham performance petered out in the second half as they allowed Glossop to score two tries, the second of which was converted, but they shut up shop in the final half-hour to hold on for the win.

Oldham Vets were on the receiving end of a 56-14 drubbing when they travelled to take on Broughton Park 4ths.

The Broughton team was littered with players from both their first and second teams and the gulf in class was evident throughout.

Mark Hodge’s converted try for Oldham was sandwiched between four tries for the home side, all before half time.

The second half continued in much the same vein, more points being run over by a rampant Broughton team while Oldham were restricted to scoring a solitary try, this time scored and converted by Nick McDowell.

Oldham 3rds were awarded the points after their home fixture against Old Bedians was called off as the visitors couldn’t raise a team.