Forward power spurs Oldham

A REUNION of ex-Oldham RU players was well-attended, with more than 100 former team-mates enjoying the match. Jack Heald travelled farthest, coming from Canada, his home for 20 years. The event takes place every two years and is organised by the president of the club at the time. Paul Walsh (front, right) currently holds the position.

RUGBY UNION: A RESOLUTE Oldham side held North Lancs and Cumbria Division pacesetters Heaton Moor to a 10-10 draw.

A determined display earned two vital points, which moved the Manor Park outfit up to fourth-from-bottom in the table.

The Oldham forwards deserve plenty of credit. Improving with every game, they are also playing with confidence.

The eight pack men who started the game, as well as the three replacements, were equal to the opposition in scrum and line-out.

They also produced some great pick up and drives to gain valuable ground.

Indeed, the front row of Paul Wardle, Dean McEwan, Jamie Edwards and Brian Massey are a match for the best in the division.

Gary Phelan and Alan Pierre excelled in the line-out, while the back row Nick Hackman, Rob Froggatt, Adam Waterhouse and Jack Taylor tackled their hearts out.

Oldham took the game to their opponents from the get-go and were in front after eight minutes, when Gareth Barber released Mark Brocklehurst, who moved into space and crossed. Mark Goodman added the extras.

Both sides missed long-range penalties before Moor hit back courtesy of a Sean Stirrup penalty seven minutes before the interval.

Oldham failed to clear the ball from the second half kick-off and Moor capitalised, Callum Fielding going over by the corner flag and Stirrup adding the conversion.

Far from panicking, Oldham camped out in the Moor half for the rest of the contest and a penalty just after the hour mark earned the draw.

Next up for Oldham is a trip to Aspatria in a re-arranged fixture.