Thirds in 11-try romp

RUGBY UNION:

OLDHAM RU 3rds enjoyed a 65-13 win over below-strength Tyldesley in what was a reversal of an early-season fixture when the local side struggled to raise a team and lost 36-0.

This time it was Tyldesley’s turn to suffer as they arrived with only 11 players and had to borrow John Lowe, Kevin Golland and John Conroy from the host club so the game could go ahead.

As expected, Oldham showed why they were undefeated in five previous matches, setting up the play using the forwards and then putting ball through hands in the backs and scoring seemingly at will.

Apart from a short spell deep in the second half, when the away team scored all their points, Oldham also held strong in tackling, rucks and mauls.

Oldham’s points came from: Tries: Michael Mitchell 4, Chris Gill 3, Anthony Beswick 1, Garry Phelan 1, Ryan Wan 1 and Chris Shipman 1. Conversions: Anthony Beswick 3, Lee Whitehead 2




IT was a similar story for Oldham 4th/Vets as they had to loan players to hosts North Manchester 2nds to the game could go on.



Against a side they had already beaten twice this season, in league and cup, Oldham came away with a 42-31 win.

With the pack dominating, the improving Mathew Burgess opened the scoring for Oldham and Neil Forsyth added two more tries on his return to the side after work commitments had kept him out for a few weeks. Glyn Aylett (2) and Mike Royton also touched down and there was a good kicking performance from Paddy Locket kicking, who landed all six conversions.

Manchester did score 31 points in return, but Oldham had almost given up tackling at this point as the game was becoming a bit of a farce.

A halt was finally called when, with both sides already reduced to ten players, Andy Jones, one of Oldham’s players turning out for Manchester, fell awkwardly and broke his upper arm.