Honours even in derby clash

WATERHEAD were left delighted after securing a point against Oldham St Anne’s in the big National Conference League division one derby clash.

Terence Fitzgerald’s try and three goals from Sean Garrett helped provide the home team with a gutsy point against promotion-chasing Saints.

And it would have been even better for Waterhead had Saints pressure not paid off with a try two minutes from time from visiting man-of-the-match Dane English.

On a mudbath of a playing surface at Waterhead Park, St Anne’s half-back Kiel Lancashire wasn’t able to kick the final conversion and the game stayed all-square after the hosts had an effort in the last few seconds disallowed.

“We showed a lot of passion and I am really pleased with the hard work and commitment the players have shown,” said acting Waterhead coach Paul Geener, who hailed the efforts of captain Keiran Grennan, loose forward Craig Highton and Garrett after the 10-10 draw.

“We responded well to the challenge and stuck to the game plan for a good 70 minutes.

“Hopefully now we can regroup for our last few games and climb away from the re-election zone.”

St Anne’s travelled the short distance to Waterhead Park having won the previous league meeting between the sides in emphatic fashion, 54-16.

But on a trying pitch a repeat performance was never on the cards. Fitzgerald’s try and two goals from the Garrett provided an 8-0 interval lead for Waterhead, who also benefited from Saints forward Dominic Igoe being sent off two minutes before the break for punching.

But the visitors put their numerical disadvantage behind them and scored 13 minutes into the half through English, Lancashire converting.

Garrett gave his team a points cushion with a further penalty goal before English’s second try made the game all-square.

“It was a scrappy affair and the slow play-the-ball didn’t help us,” said St Anne’s coach Mick Cashin,

“I don’t think the referee helped us but fair play to Waterhead who put a lot into the game.”

The result leaves St Anne’s second in the table, three points behind leaders Eccles but with a game in hand.

Waterhead are third-bottom, a point behind Eastmoor and five clear of Shaw Cross.

Saddleworth Rangers had no game in division one but remain a point clear at the top of the table.