Safety for St Anne’s

AMATEUR RUGBY; OLDHAM St Anne’s ‘A’ ensured their Kukri North-West Counties League division one status for next season with a 18-10 win at Lathford Albion.

The Arrowsmith twins, Michael and Mark, were back in the fold for the first time since September, and they added the spark to a depleted pack.

Two tries in the opening quarter from Steve McHugh and Andy Deakin, plus a goal from youngster Greg Worrall, put Saints in the ascendancy, only the home side to draw level just before the break.

With five under-18s in the side — Worrall, Shaun Thomas, Craig Bassnett and the Arrowsmith twins — Saints introduced veteran Mick Martindale to add experience to the side.

And the move paid off as he was involved with Rick Badby to produce tries for Niall Collins and a second for McHugh to clinch victory.

Elsewhere, Saddleworth Rangers are up to mid-table in division three after a walkover win over Moss Bank Bulldogs, but Higginshaw were beaten 20-16 by title hopefuls New Springs Lions in division four.

And Rochdale Cobras’ hopes of top honours in division five suffered a blow as they lost to high-flying Hindley 21-16.