Massey double in vain

OLDHAM RU 2ND 13 FLEETWOOD 2nd X1 14

A SUPERB second-half fightback proved in vain as Oldham were dumped out of the Raging Bull Trophy by the narrowest of margins.

Amazingly, Oldham had 22 players from which to choose, their embarrassment of riches being so great that captain Matt Jakeman left himself off the team sheet to give someone else a chance.

After 15 minutes in which they were penned in their own half, Oldham forced a series of penalties. These ended with a couple of drives which led to Scott Danby giving them the lead with a drop goal.

However, two defensive lapses before half-time cost Oldham dear as the visitors opened up a 14-3 lead.

Oldham roared back after the break and Brian Massey claimed the final touch after a rolling maul

It was Fleetwood’s turn to hang on and defend grimly and, after an incident which saw Oldham hooker Nathan Taylor dispatched to the sin bin for 10 minutes, the fired-up hosts produced another rolling maul finished once again by Massey.

Unfortunately, the kick was too tough for Danby and, try as they might, Oldham were unable to produce the vital score.

In a fine team performance, the man-of-the-match award went to loose-head prop Chris Heptonstall for his non-stop effort.


Glossop 3rd 22

Oldham 3rd 10



Glossop took advantage of a reshuffled Oldham side to score three early tries which ultimately made all the difference in this Raging Bull Shield match.

Oldham fought back in the second half, but they could only manage one try when Ryan North produced a devastating run from deep to score near the posts.

He converted his own score to complete a fine personal display.


Wilmslow 4ths 38

Oldham Vets 19



OLDHAM Vets ran out of steam in this Raging Bull Plate match, but defeat was no disgrace against an improving side who made it four wins on the bounce.