Oldham back in relegation zone
Date published: 20 April 2010
Photo: Chris Sunderland
Oldham’s Steve Molloy gets the ball away in the tackle.
RUGBY UNION: OLDHAM RU slipped back into the North Lancs/Cumbria Division relegation places after losing 25-7 at home to high-flying Eccles.
But the visitors were rather flattered by the scoreline, Oldham having held them to 7-7 until 15 minutes from the end.
The local side played some good rugby but were up against a well-organised side who had a major share of the ball.
Oldham were unlucky not to take an early lead when, after a superb Phil Graham break, Mark Goodman darted though only for the referee to rule he had been held up over the line.
Eccles went ahead with a Jonny Holland try, converted by Scott Morton, but Oldham were soon level. An Eccles attack broke down in the home 22 and Will Mellor collected the ball before dashing up the right wing. The supporting Gareth Barber went over for a try, converted by Andy Gorey.
The sides were locked together until the 66th minute when Eccles went ahead with a Will Hamer try, quickly followed by a Morton drop goal.
Danny Nichols then added a touchdown for Eccles and Morton wrapped up the scoring with a conversion and a drop goal.
The result – and Aldwinians’ win over Netherall, pushes Oldham back to third from bottom, level on points with their local rivals.
However, Aldwinians have completed their fixtures and Oldham have three games remaining in which to secure the point they need for safety.
