Rafferty hat-trick in vain for Saints

AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE: A HAT-TRICK of tries from man-of-the-match Garry Rafferty wasn’t enough to help Oldham St Anne’s to an opening-day win in National Conference League Division One.

The full-back showcased his support play by touching down breaks from halfway by his team-mates, but Saints were still on the rough end of a 40-26 defeat at Oulton Raiders.

In a physical clash, the visitors opened the scoring with a Kiel Lancashire penalty before centre Adrian Holdsworth responded with the first of his own treble, Danny Stanley converting.

Rafferty crossed twice, Lancashire goaling on each occasion, either side two more efforts from Holdsworth, one of which was converted for a 14-14 score at half-time.

Oulton hit a purple patch midway through the second half to cross for three quick tries through Lee Williamson, Chris Walker and Scott McDonald.

Sasch Brook kicked a goal, but when Rafferty went over for his third, Lancashire again adding a goal, at 28-20 down the visitors were in with a shout.

Oulton had other ideas with Scott Green powering over, while Darren Fletcher’s try and Lancashire conversion for Saints were answered by efforts from Scott Green and Nathan Batty.



A LATE rally was in vain as Saddleworth Rangers were unable to pick up a third win of the season in the Premier Division as they went down 24-18 at home to East Hull.
On the day of the hosts’ 80th birthday celebrations, Easts reduced Rangers’ early advantage gained through a Michael Coates penalty and an Adam Jeffrey try, converted by Coates, when Mark Roberts went over with Jordan Precious converting.

It stayed at 8-6 until half-time before Gary Blanchard stole in, Precious adding the goal.
Gary Weymes then burst over from close range and Blanchard grabbed his second, Precious kicking his fourth goal to seemingly spell defeat for Saddleworth.

Keith Brennan’s men fought back and were pushing the visitors hard at the end.



WATERHEAD suffered defeat on the road at resurgent East Leeds in NCL Division Two.

Garry Highton’s men went down 34-20, but pushed the home side all the way.