Oldham let it slip

Hawcoat Park Firsts 21, Oldham Firsts 14
RUGBY UNION: AN Oldham side lacking several regulars came close to achieving their first victory in Cumbria for more than two years in this North Lancashire Division One clash.

But their sterling efforts were undone in a disastrous last 10 minutes which saw Hawcoat Park snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

In the absence of the injured Gareth Barber, Oldham were captained by 22-year-old Jack Taylor, a product of the club’s youth system.

And they fronted up well, storming into the home pack and turning around at half-time with a well deserved 14-6 lead.

Two penalties by James Howden gave Hawcoat an early 6-0 advantage before a fine move along the backs saw John Gillam cruise over in the 20th minute.

Then, just before half-time and following a spell of sustained pressure from Oldham, Stuart Brennan scattered defenders as he powered over.

Two fine conversions by Josh Brown saw Oldham go into the break in the driving seat at 14-6 up.

Superb defence, especially by Steve Hastings — who nullified the threat from the strong-running Hawcoat centre’s ambitious attack — and a more disciplined approach than of late constantly frustrated Oldham’s opponents.

But all that changed in the last 10 minutes when lively home winger Jake Vile twice took advantage of Oldham’s reluctance to close out the game by kicking into touch. Now trailing 16-14, Oldham pressed forward, but Hawcoat took no chances, adopting a safety-first approach. And in the last play of the game, they were awarded a contentious try in the corner.

Oldham did not deserve to lose and the bonus point seemed scant reward for such a fine performance.

Hooker Jack Hawkins was outstanding in a pack with an average age of 23, while the back row of Luke Roscoe, Brennan and Taylor dominated to such an extent that a first elusive away win of the season is surely around the corner.