Hodge double spurs Vets

Photo: Chris Sunderland

FIRST BLOOD . . . Nick Hackman crosses the line to put Oldham in front at Manor Park.

RUGBY UNION: MARK Hodge scored two tries as Oldham shaded an excellent match played on a hard Manor Park pitch.

They had the better of the opening 10 minutes with outstanding strength from

forwards and backs alike and deserved to go ahead when Nick Hackman went over and Paddy Lockett converted.

Rob Froggatt looked to have extended Oldham’s lead, but the linesman flagged to say a foot went out.

The score remained at 7-0 until the dying seconds of the first half when Hodge crashed over for the first of his tries.

North Manchester battled for everything in this physical game and managed to score a converted try five minutes into the second half.

But Oldham’s backs were awesome in defence and flowing in attack and the forwards once again displayed superb strength.

So it came as no surprise when Hodge scored his second try and, with only five minuets left, Dave Roberts also crashed over.

North Manchester did not give up and managed to score in the corner just before the final whistle.

Man-of-the-match in a good, hard-fought match was Rob Froggatt for some outstanding individual skills.


OLDHAM thirds’ match at Bury seconds was called off after 15 minutes when the referee was injured and unable to continue.