Saints stroll to last-four berth

ANDY DEAKIN (St Anne’s) drives in against Ashton in their Standard Cup clash.

OLDHAM St Anne’s progressed to the last four of the Standard Cup thanks to a 66-4 away victory at Ashton-under-Lyne RFC.

The inclusion of the union club in the competition was linked in with their 125th anniversary and plenty of hard work went in to getting the pitch playable for the historic tie.

Once the game got underway it was apparent that Saints had too much pace and power for their union counterparts and Mick Cashin’s side ran in 12 tries, with man-of-the-match Kiel Lancashire kicking nine goals.

Centre Greg Worrall went over for a hat-trick of tries, Lee Forsythe and Martin Ryan grabbing two each with Mark Arrowsmith, Garry Rafferty, Ben Ingham, John Lamb and Lancashire also touching down.

Ashton were rewarded for their efforts with a well-deserved try late on from Luke Sayle.

Chris Grayson worked hard at stand-off for the home team and was named as their top performer, young full-back Jack Mather showed some nice touches and forward Neil Oldham worked hard all afternoon.

The other scheduled Standard Cup ties — Higginshaw versus Hollinwood and Waterhead against Saddleworth Rangers — were postponed due to frozen pitches.

Rochdale Cobras are already through to the semi-finals having been awarded a bye.