Cashin looks on the bright side

RUGBY LEAGUE:

MICK CASHIN was full of praise for his Oldham St Anne’s side despite suffering a Carnegie Challenge Cup preliminary round exit.


The Saints coach was “very pleased” with the performance in the 13-12 defeat against Wigan St Jude’s at Higginshaw Road.

St Jude’s, from two divisions in higher the National Conference League, nosed ahead in the 75th thanks to a Steve King drop goal, but the hosts had a chance to snatch a last-gasp victory, only for Kiel Lancashire to hit a post from a penalty attempt.

Cashin said: “Considering this was our first game after a long break, I was very pleased with the performance and I can take a lot of positives out of it.

“St Jude’s were a bit quicker than us for the first 10 minutes, but we dominated in the tackle after that and matched them in the forwards.

“I thought, and so did one or two other people, that we were slightly the better team overall and the display did prove that we are capable of stepping up to another level.”

St Jude’s opened up an eight-point lead inside 10 minutes through a try from Kevin Howells, goaled by Dave Picton, and a penalty.

Saints reduced the deficit when Andy Sands, who was later dismissed along with Ian Thompson of St Jude’s, set up Gary Rafferty. Lancashire added the extras.

The home side went into the break on level terms thanks to another Lancashire effort, but they soon found themselves behind again after Nathan Jones crossed for St Jude’s.

A forward pass denied Saints hooker Danny Kay a try, but they were celebrating moments later when Lancashire scored their second try of the afternoon.

However, St Jude’s had the last say when King dropped the all-important goal to clinch victory.




BRAD ATTWOOD proved a thorn in the side of Saddleworth Rangers in the first round of the competition.



The Siddal full-back scored two superb tries and notched three goals in the visitors’ 22-8 win at Greenfield.

But division one high-flyers Rangers gave as good as they got against their illustrious NCL opponents and, in Mick Coates, they also boasted a player at the top of his game.

“Siddal took their chances and we didn’t, that was the difference,” reflected Rangers coach Keith Brennan.

“They are a very good side with players who can create something out of nothing.

“That said, we did compete with them and if we can perform to that level in future, we’ll be very difficult to play against.”

Attwood broke the deadlock for Siddal and also added the conversion.

Rangers hit back, with Emerson Jackman and Coates creating openings for forwards Junior Branford and Adam Walker, before Coates kicked a penalty after Siddal were caught off-side.

But Siddal stretched their lead when Attwood went over for his second try, again converting for a 12-2 half-time advantage.

Rangers went close after the restart through Fraser Coley and Lee Charlesworth, who were both held short.

But Rangers hopes of victory evaporated when Scott Caley intercepted a Rangers pass to race half the length of the field for a try 10 minutes from time.

And prop George Ambler scored Siddal’s fourth try, which Attwood converted.

Rangers refused to throw in the towel and Danny Earley touched down, with Coates adding the two points.




NELSON’S flagship, HMS Victory, will stage the Carnegie Challenge Cup second round draw tonight, even though some of the first round ties have yet to be completed.