Stunning show from Saints ‘A’

RUGBY: OLDHAM St Anne’s ‘A’ produced a cracking display to hold title-chasing Roose Pioneers to a 20-20 draw in Division One of the North-West Counties League.

The home side took the lead against the run of play after 10 minutes, Steve Perry converting his own try.

Basement boys Saints hit back through Jonny Kelly — Mark Lees was successful with the goal — before full-back Niall Collins scored in the corner. Lees again converted before adding another two points for a 14-6 lead.

Perry reduced the arrears with a penalty, and Pioneers were on level terms a minute after the restart when Jordan Herdman collected a loose ball. Perry sent over the conversion.

Saints regrouped and went back in front on the hour when Jason Akeroyd saw off three defenders. Lees landed his fourth goal for 20-14 lead.

A try from Daryl Archer and a Perry conversion restored parity, and Pioneers looked set to snatch the spoils, but veteran Gary Ainsworth saved the day when he dived on the ball.

In Division Three, Higginshaw pushed second-placed Irlam Hornets all the way before succumbing 26-18.

Winger Mark Ward put Higgy in front after 10 minutes. Jonathan Fullalove converted from the touchline and added a goal for an 8-0 lead.

Gareth Brindley and Gareth Franklin kept Irlam Hornets at bay with some fine tackles, but the hosts, showing why they are pushing for the title, stepped up a gear to score three quickfire tries to lead 16-8.

Higgy hit back with a Michael Smith score in the corner to reduce the deficit to four points, and they were back on the attack in the early stages of the second half.

But Hornets weathered the storm to add another try just before the hour.

A Fullalove penalty kept Higgy in the hunt and, despite a strong display in defence, they were unable to stop Hornets going over again.

Higgy refused to throw in the towel, and they had the last say when David Smith raced in for try five minutes from time.