League leaders stunned by Vets

RUGBY UNION: OLDHAM Rugby Union 4th/Vets turned in a superb effort as they won 18-5 at Hope Valley 1st to end the unbeaten record of the leaders of Division 5 East of the Miller Homes League.

Some ferocious forward exchanges saw Oldham establish a 9-0 lead with three penalties from Danny Simpson as their hosts, from Castleton, Derbyshire, were punished for infringements around the ruck.

And it got better for Oldham just before the interval, despite having a try ruled out for a forward pass in the build-up. A high tackle resulted in another penalty which Simpson duly kicked to make it 12-0 at the break.

Valley started the second half with more venom and within five minutes had reduced the deficit with an unconverted try following a good move among the backs.

However, Valley’s indiscipline proved their undoing and Oldham were well on top in the closing 20 minutes during which Simpson landed two more penalties to make it six from six to secure an excellent win.



OLDHAM 2nds repeated an early-season success over Altrincham Kersal 3rds, beating them 50-5.

But it was the visitors who made the best start, cashing in on early possession to score a try out wide on the left.

The pressure didn’t let up so it was quite against the run of play when Matty Collins found room in the Altrincham defence, after 25 minutes, to race over from 20 metres. Scott Danby added the conversion.

Good work by the forwards then set up Andy Wood to bulldoze his way over the Kersal line from about 15 metres out and from then on Oldham never looked back.

Jason Green went over under the posts, with Danby converting to make it 19-5 at the interval.

Three minutes into the new half, Will Mellor made a break from inside his own 20 metre area and exchanged passes with Rhys Jones before finishing the move between the sticks. Danby claimed his third conversion.

Matty Collins showed neat footwork from the base of a scrum to score out wide and Andy Gorey added a another try, converted by Danby to make it 38-5.

With Altrincham in disarray, Rob Froggett finished off a good move from halfway and Gorey scored his second try, Danby again converting as it finished 50-5.

Chris Heap, John Suitor and the back row of Mike Green, Mike Collinge and Brian Massey were outstanding. However, for his brace of tries and his all- round work Matty Collins got the nod from the club president for man of the match.




THE third team slipped to a 40–7 defeat at league leaders De La Salle 2nd but gave the hosts a run for their money in most areas.



With a bit more experience in the pack, Oldham might have enjoyed a more favourable scoreline.

As it was, De La Salle showed their composure when needed around the try line and took their chances well.

Man of the match for Oldham was Anthony Beswick for his general play at scrum-half and his key role in Oldham’s only try, putting Garry Phelen over for his fifth of the season, converted by Phil Marsh.




OLDHAM RU first team face a struggle to fit in 11 league fixtures in nine weeks following the postponement of Saturday’s game at Netherhall due to a frozen pitch.



Apart from Netherhall, Oldham also have trips to Workington, Keswick and Upper Eden.






Girls’ team launched



OLDHAM RU have broken new ground by launching a team for under-14 girls, one of the first in the region.



Training takes place on Wednesday evenings (6.15 to 7.3pm) at the club, on Byrth Road, Bardsley.

Any young girls interested in giving rugby union a go can contact Steve on 07984 454458.

The club is also looking for under-12s boys for a new team. Details as above.