Sinfield is centre of attention on debut

OLDHAM 13, ST BENEDICTS 12

RUGBY UNION: CENTRE Ian Sinfield scored a crucial try on his debut as Oldham recorded their first North Lancs and Cumbria Division One victory of the season.

After three away defeats, Oldham enjoyed home advantage and their cause was further boosted when coach Guy Lovegreen was able to field a stronger team, with captain Gareth Barber returning.

Ex-Roughyeds player Sinfield was effective on his try-scoring debut, while the forwards looked better and coped well in the scrums and line-outs.

Brian Massey excelled before being replaced by the equally-impressive Rob Burston, while Gary Phelan and Alan Pierre battled well and Chris Mackenzie underlined the strength of the squad following his introduction.

Oldham led 13-7, but following a series of penalties, Peter Jackson scored in the corner to set up a grandstand finish.

It was tense stuff in the final 10 minutes, but Oldham held on and will be in a much more confident frame of mind for Saturday’s trip to Eccles.



Hackman restores ‘A’ team pride

ECCLES 50, OLDHAM ‘A’16

OLDHAM’S team bore little resemblance to the one originally selected and it was little surprise that they lost so emphatically to a side which finished higher in their division last season.

Oldham had only two Scott Danby penalties to show for their first-half efforts and, trailing 36-6 at the break, were in danger of humiliation.

But they restored some pride with number eight Nick Hackman scoring two tries in a man-of-the-match performance.

Louis Fitton again looked dangerous with the ball in hand, Phil Conroy employed a good kicking game from full-back and the whole pack looked much better than they have done in three previous outings, particularly hooker Jack Hawkins and veteran prop Les Jones.