More travel sickness for depleted Oldham

GARSTANG 21, OLDHAM RU 12
RUGBY: OLDHAM are still looking for a first away win of the season in North Lancashire Division One.

Once again, there were a number of late withdrawals so the team was without Gary Phelan, Jack Taylor, Jon Farrell and Will Mellor.

The returning Luke Roscoe had a strong game; John Souter played despite carrying an old injury, and Kyle Howard took over at scrum half and did enough to suggest he may be the answer to Oldham’s long-standing problem in this position.

To make matters worse for Oldham, line-out specialist and second row Nick Hackman had to go off after a clash of heads, while Jamie Edwards was already in the blood bin with a head injury, but was able to return.

Rain and a strong wind made attractive rugby almost impossible, but despite the conditions Oldham tried to use their backs. Their efforts were rewarded when Howard touched down following a decent move.

The home side responded with tries from forwards Paul Brown and John Oliver, both converted, so at half-time the hosts led 14-5.

A breakway try and conversion after the break put Garstang in the comfort zone and although Phil Graham scored following a great move along the backs and Josh Brown converted, Oldham were kept at bay despite camping on the home side’s try line.

In drier conditions, Oldham could well have won this game and they will be hoping for better at Burnley on Saturday.