Players must learn to cope with pressure, coach insists

A SECOND-half horror show was to blame for Saddleworth Rangers losing at Rochdale Mayfield, according to coach Keith Brennan.

Ahead 6-4 at half-time thanks to a Paul Ashton try and Michael Coates conversion, the National Conference League division one leaders looked well set to pick up another two points at Castleton Sports Centre.

It did not happen, though, with Rangers going down to a third defeat of the campaign thanks to a strong comeback from the home side which wrapped up a 16-6 victory.

"At half-time we felt we had a springboard to go on," Brennan said.

"But after that, we just didn't do any of the things we had been doing.

"They were more enthusiastic than us and we were out-enthused.

"What we need to realise is that, being top of the table, every team wants to knock us off our perch. We have to be ready for that."

Rangers, whose outstanding player was Shaun Robinson, have another tricky away day to come this weekend when travelling to Stanningley.

Brennan's men remain top, a point ahead of second-placed Thatto Heath.

Oldham St Anne's coach Mick Cashin had no complaints about his side's work ethic, despite their 22-18 defeat at division two leaders Eccles.

"It was a high-quality game which could have gone either way," said Cashin, who was without important duo John Gillam and Andy Sands for the testing fixture.

"Our forwards really went at their task and we could have snatched it at the end, which is a credit to our lads."

Kiel Lancashire, Lee Forsythe and Chris Carter scored the tries for St Anne's, with Lancashire also kicking three goals.

Eccles, who began the game well, led 10-6 at half-time only for Saints — with John Fox and Danny Kay outstanding — to hit back strongly.

Unfortunately, the big effort from the visitors was in vain and St Anne's dropped to third place in the division.