Joy turns to despair

RUGBY UNION: OLDHAM ‘A’ made a terrific start to their Division Three North clash away to Fylde fourths — but were eventually beaten 34-11.

Scott Danby put the visitors in front via a drop goal after three minutes, and he increased Oldham’s lead moment later after the home side conceded a penalty.

Fylde reduced the deficit with a try just after the mid-way point of the half, but Oldham responded with a touch down of their own when good work by Alan Pierre and Matty Collins set up man-of-the-match Ryan North to score.

Fylde had the final say in the opening period with a converted lead to go ahead 12-11.

Fylde ran the ball at every opportunity after the break and, as Oldham’s defence began to tire, the hosts recorded four tries, two of which were converted.

But Oldham never stopped trying and can take heart from the performance. They also had an Andy Wood try disallowed in the last play of the game.


Last-gasp try agony for veterans

OLDHAM’S veterans conceded a late try in an agonising 28-25 defeat at home to Wilmslow.

Oldham, who led 15-7 at half-time, scored five tries in a cracking game of rugby.

Mark Hodge, Dom Hall and Chris Pickles touched down for Oldham in the first half, but none were converted.

Nick McDowell increased Oldham’s advantage — again the conversion attempt went astray — while David Roberts added a fifth after Wilmslow had staged a comeback.

The home side were still in front until, in the dying moments, Wilmslow snatched victory with a last-gasp score.