Plus-point for Oldham

FIRST BLOOD . . . Nick Hackman put Oldham in front against Workington, who hit back to claim the spoils in a 15-10 win in Cumbria.

OLDHAM Rugby Union firsts picked up a well-earned bonus point despite losing 15-10 at Workington in the North Lancs and Cumbria Division.

Although a draw would have been a fair result, Guy Lovegreen’s side can at least take heart from the performance as they gear up for the end-of-season run-in.

Oldham are still third from bottom, with relegation a distinct possibility. But four of their five remaining games are at home.

The visitors welcomed back Andy Birch, Martin Kenny, Rhys Jones and Sean Barratt.

Oldham started strongly and, after a sustained spell of pressure, Nick Hackman forced his way over after 21 minutes, capping a fine team move.

Dean McEwan left the field through injury and was replaced by Jordan McEwan in the front row.

With six minutes of the half remaining, Workington’s Martin Armstrong capitalised on a misplaced pass and beat several would-be tacklers before crossing in the corner.

With Oldham hoping to regroup at the break they were dealt a blow two minutes before the half-time whistle, when prop Chris Twaddle touched down after a Martin Armstrong break.

The second period saw the home side apply more pressure on their opponents.

Again setting off from deep, Armstrong got outside the Oldham centres and passed inside for Johnny Howarth to score in the corner.

What followed was a forward battle, with Oldham coming out on top.

The pressure was frustrating Workington and their second row Jason Howarth was sin-binned for 10 minutes for persistent infringements in the rucks and mauls.

With the extra forward Oldham continued to drive the ball and managed to camp on the Workington line with excellent rucking.

McEwan picked up at the back of a ruck saw a space in from of him and dived over several Oldham and Workington players to score an excellent try.

The remaining 15 minutes of the game were spent around the halfway mark with both teams not looking to make any further inroads into each other’s half.