Guy’s battlers find resources to repel rivals

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: Nick Hackman dominates a line-out for Oldham.

RUGBY UNION:

OLDHAM RUFC 31, BOLTON 8
OLDHAM survived a second-half onslaught from Bolton to seal a hard-earned triumph in North Lancashire Division One.

It was a third win in four outings for Guy Lovegreen’s side.

The first period was littered with warnings for high tackles and bodychecking instead of using hands.

Wing John Gillam opened the scoring for Oldham after eight minutes, crossing after good work from full-back Josh Brown, who added the extras.

Mark Brocklehurst touched down with 19 minutes on the clock. Brown broke from his own try line and fed Roughyeds star Brocklehurst.

Boasting a 12-0 lead at the break, it looked relatively comfortable for the hosts, but Bolton put everything into their response after the restart.

However, they failed to convert their superior possession into points and paid the price, while a number of penalty opportunities also went begging.

Six minutes into the second half, Brocklehurst and Brown exchanged passes before releasing Chris Idehere.

His try was goaled off the touchline by the in-form Brown. A penalty goal and a try from the number eight brought Bolton back into the contest.

But despite living off scraps, Oldham sealed victory when Jordon McEwen and Gillam crashed over.

Brown successfully kicked the final try, earning a bonus point in the process.

Lovegreen’s team entertain Tarleton on Saturday (3pm kick-off).