Third team finishes with a flourish

RUGBY UNION:

Aldwinians 3rd 8, Oldham 3rd 12

FORWARD power was the key to success as Oldham came from behind to grind their opponents into submission.

Following a string of Oldham mistakes, Aldwinians scored the opening try.

But Chris Shipman’s fifth try of the season and a conversion by man-of-the-match Anthony Beswick put the visitors ahead.

The final 20 minutes of the match saw Oldham’s pressure in the scrums and forwards finally take its their toll and it was no surprise to see Mark Fitton score their match-winning try out wide.


Oldham 3rd 31, Sedgley Park 4th 29


BOTH teams were fired up for this game as Sedgley knew only a win would keep them in the division next season while Oldham were fighting for points to clinch the West Intermediate RU League’s Miller Homes team of the year award.

Mark Fitton scored the first of his four tries thanks to some quick hands, Lee Whitehead converting.

But Sedgeley hit back to score with the next play as Oldham took their eye off the ball.

This trend continued throughout, but Oldham looked to have put the game to bed when Fitton completed a Paul Goodier break.

However, the referee ruled out the try for obstruction.

Man-of-the-match Brian Massey’s try made it 31-26 with four minutes to go and although Sedgley hit back with a penalty, Oldham stood firm defensively to see out the game and win the Miller Homes award.

This award covers 14 divisions and over 200 teams and is based on a success rate against teams which finished higher during the previous season.


OLDHAM 2nd XV finished sixth in their division with 29 points, while the Vets/4ths were seventh with 26.

Bearing in mind the number of teams involved, Oldham can be extremely pleased with their efforts.