RU men in battle for valuable point

Photo: Pictures: CHRIS SUNDERLAND.

Oldham’s Joe Hesse carries the fight to Heaton Moor.

RUGBY UNION:

OLDHAM Rugby Union first team picked up a hard-earned point in a 5-5 draw with Heaton Moor played in difficult conditions.

Persistent rain made handling tricky, but both sides tried to keep the ball moving.

Heaton Moor opened the scoring after only two minutes, influential captain and No 8 Nick Smith going over for a try.

However, Oldham were level after 13 minutes when Gareth Barber’s high kick was dropped by the Moor full-back, allowing Andy Gorey to follow up for a touchdown.

Oldham’s forwards, with a mixture of youth and experience, continue to show signs of improvement, although still giving away too many penalties.

It was they, though, who laid the platform for the home side to dominate the second half and force Heaton Moor into a resolute defensive effort.

Both sides missed long-range penalty attempts as the game finished all-square. And a point could be useful for Oldham in their battle to steer clear of the relegation places.

Three teams go down and Netherall and Burnley already look doomed.

Aldwinians, Fleetwood and Oldham will battle it out - the local side having games in hand and a crucial trip to Burnley coming up this weekend.