Depleted RU side slips to defeat

IT WAS very much a tale of misfortune for Oldham RUFC ‘A’ as they lost 27-3 at Bowdon.

They lost both half-backs to the first team and also their hooker on the day of the game.

Then in the opening minutes of the match they were depleted further when prop forward Danny Savage went off with damaged ankle ligaments.

Oldham battled bravely in the opening period, despite also having Alan Pierre sin-binned for an alleged high tackle, as they finished 8-3 down.

Mike Collinge scored Oldham’s points with a penalty.

Bowdon increased their lead just short of the hour with a converted try.

Oldham lost their discipline as Brian Massey was sent off only for the decision to be overturned following the intervention of the home captain. Robert Froggatt was also sin-binned as Oldham were left with 13 players for a spell.

It was inevitable, therefore, that Bowdon should increase their margin of victory in the latter stages.

Extra ‘A’ were beaten 22-20 at home by Eccles in an exciting match with little to separate the two teams.

And the Vets lost 29-14 at Village Spartans where they were punished for a poor first-half display which saw them trail 22-0 at the break.

Oldham produced a spirited second-half performance in which Neil Forsyth and Nick McDowell scored tries, both of which were converted by Brian Quinlan as they reduced the deficit to 22-14.

Spartans sealed victory late on with a breakaway try which was converted.

The Colts were held to a 10-10 draw at home to Cumbrian club Furness.