Oldham crash to heavy defeat

OLDHAM RU crashed to a 42-6 defeat at Furness where the forwards worked hard but were outplayed by a more experienced pack which controlled the set pieces.

After a nightmare three-hour journey to Cumbria, due to delays on the motorway, Oldham turned in a solid first-half effort despite being starved of possession.

Two huge penalty kicks from Mark Goodman, one from just inside his own half, and some good defensive work kept Oldham in contention, trailing 15-6 at the interval.

A try from Ian Murray, goaled by Darren Holt, had put Furness in front after seven minutes and Colin Maclean added another touchdown after 35 minutes.

A few minutes either side of half time proved crucial as Furness landed a penalty to make it 15–6.

When the second half started, Oldham camped on the home line but were unable to force their way over. Eventually, Furness were awarded a penalty and were able to clear the danger.

Oldham then lost Ryan Jackson to injury and, when Holt landed a penalty to make it 18-6, the writing was on the wall.

Furness scored four more tries - two of them converted - in the final half-hour to register a comfortable victory.

Oldham now need to pick themselves up for this weekend’s crucial home game against bottom-of-the-table Netherall.