Seconds blown away by Fylde

STERLING SERVICE . . . family and friends gathered at Manor Park to celebrate Sam Molineux’s 70 years as a member of Oldham Rugby Union Club. Sam (84) has enjoyed many roles, from player to president, since arriving at Keb Lane, the club’s former home, as a 14-year-old.

RUGBY UNION: OLDHAM seconds did not like to be beside the seaside as they succumbed 103-3 against Fylde’s fourth XV at a sunny St Anne’s.

The visitors, with only 14 players, had to borrow from the opposition to make up the numbers.

Without a touch in the first nine minutes — Fylde were 22 points ahead by that stage — Oldham then lost a scrum, from which the home side increased their advantage.

But Oldham refused to let their heads drop.

For a 15-minute spell Oldham produced some good rugby and had Fylde on the back foot, but it did not last and they conceded five more converted tries before half-time for a 64-3 deficit. Stand-in captain Scott Danby replied with a drop goal.

Oldham strove the remainder of the game to score a try but, despite their best efforts, they were unable to break down Fylde, who went on to record another six tries, one of which was converted.

Phil Walmsley, who tacked himself to a standstill, had a good game playing out of position in the back row of the scrum.