Oldham begin with comfortable victory

SHUT-EYE: Oldham's John Souter tries to force his way through a tackle

RUGBY UNION:

OLDHAM RU clinched a 30-5 North Lancs Division One triumph over Bury who, despite dominating the lineout, struggled in open play.

It took just three minutes for Oldham to open the scoring in their opening game of the season, Josh Brown crossing after good work from Chris Idehne.

Charlie Roscoe went over down the right to extend the lead 25 minutes in following a powerful Will Mellor run from full-back.

On the stroke of half-time Gareth Barber’s kick found Idehne, who touched down to make it 15-0.

Bury showed fighting spirit after the restart and a rolling maul helped force the ball over the line to reduce the deficit.

But Oldham stood their ground and further tries from Brown, Idehne and backrow forward Luke Roscoe ensured their side came away with a thoroughly convincing win.

The home team will take heart from the fact they did not cave in when their opponents finally put them under pressure.

In the front row Dean McEwen, Brian Massey and Jamie Edwards put paid to any hope Bury had of winning regular possession.

New recruits Brown, Idehne, Kieran Jones and Stephen Hastings caught the eye for the hosts, especially Idehne, who has been given his chance on the wing since impressing for Oldham’s ‘A’ team during the previous campaign.

Brown helped Rob Froggatt keep things ticking over at centre and will be confident of holding on to his place in the side.

This weekend sees Oldham head to Trafford MV — historically a tough fixture but one they will be looking forward to after such a comprehensive victory.



OLDHAM’S ‘A’ team suffered a narrow 17-15 defeat at the hands of Leigh thirds.

Leigh struck first, crossing down the right after 10 minutes and successfully converting.

The visitors responded well and pinned back their opponents for long periods.

After interference at the ruck by a Leigh forward, Oldham put three points on the board courtesy of Jordan Green’s penalty.

The game was reduced to uncontested scrums after the break when one of the hosts’ hookers departed with an ankle injury.

With 50 minutes on the clock Leigh burst through to touch down, before Oldham hit back via a Ryan North try, which Green converted.

Nine minutes were remaining when sloppy defending again let in Leigh down the right.

Dave Hudson burst over at the death to give Oldham hope but Green failed to add extras.