Key decisions hurt Oldham

ECCLES 29, OLDHAM RUFC 13

OLDHAM surrendered a 13-10 lead at Eccles in a controversial second half of their North Lancs and Cumbria Division One clash.

The plucky visitors, level at the half-time break, felt key refereeing decisions went against them after the interval.

Eccles were awarded a line-out in the Oldham 22-metre area, which their opponents insisted should have been taken in the Eccles half after the hosts kicked the ball directly into touch.

From the line-out, the home side drove over for a converted try.

Two minutes later Eccles scored another try from a line-out, with Oldham claiming it was taken quickly and from the wrong position.

It had all started so brightly for the away team.

Mark Brock-lehurst replied to an early Eccles try with one of his own, latching on to the ball from a line-out.

Eccles regained the lead, but their opponents levelled matters in the 35th minute. From a scrum, Guy Lovegreen fed Gareth Barber, who found Ian Sinfield. Phil Graham received and scored a fine equalising try.

A Goodman penalty two minutes in to the second half gave Oldham the lead, but the two contentious incidents were followed by a last-minute try, which sealed victory for Eccles.