Power-packed show

FIRST TRY . . . Ian Sinfield.

RUGBY UNION: OLDHAM firsts scored four tries and picked up a bonus point in a 26-17 triumph over visitors Whitehaven in the North Lancs and Cumbria Division.

The victory at Manor Park puts third-bottom Oldham level on points with their opponents, albeit with an inferior points difference.

Phil Graham switched from scrum-half to full-back, with Martin Kenny and Martin Meggison on the wings and Stuart Brennan in the back row.

Playing into a strong wind, Oldham forwards Dean McEwan and Jamie Edwards led the charge.

And a series of drives were rewarded after three minutes, when Gareth Barber fed Ian Sinfield, who took the loop pass and crossed, before converting the try himself.

However, three consecutive penalties had handed Whitehaven a 9-7 advantage by the 24th minute.

Sinfield restored Old-ham’s lead following good work from Barber, only for a fourth penalty to make it all square at 12-12.

But McEwan finished a wonderful team move to give the home side a 19-12 lead at the interval.

With the wind at their backs, Oldham expected a one-sided affair after the break, but 10 minutes into the second period Luke Scott touched down for their relegation-threatend rivals.

However, it was to be the visitors’ last contribution to the scoresheet.

Relentless pressure from Oldham put them firmly in the driving seat despite fine defending from Whitehaven.

The breakthrough came in the 75th minute. Barber notched his second try of the match before adding the extras.

It earned Oldham a bonus point for crossing four times.

A fine all-round display saw off top quality opposition, and Oldham will hope to replicate their form when they host bottom-of-the-table Keswick on Saturday.


COLLINS try inspires comeback
OLDHAM RU seconds earned a 14-5 home victory at the expense of Rochdale thirds.

The relegation-threatened visitors were quick out of the blocks and took an early lead following a breakaway move, before missing the conversion.

Promotion hopefuls Oldham failed to score in the first half, but turned it around after the break.

Matty Collins touched down near the posts after 65 minutes and that was swiftly followed by a Jason Green try out wide. Scott Danby added the extras.