Pointless exercise

Photo: Picture: CHRIS SUNDERLAND.

Oldham’s Josh Brown barges past a Bolton opponent.

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RUGBY UNION:

OLDHAM RUFC 0, BOLTON 13

OLDHAM, playing only their second game in seven weeks, suffered a home defeat by Bolton in North Lancashire Division One.

Their rustiness showed, leading to dropped balls and forward passes.

Bolton soaked up early pressure and took the lead following a penalty in front of the Oldham posts.

With 30 minutes gone, the hosts were dealt a blow when Gavin Dodd was sin-binned for a high tackle.

Bolton looked strong after the interval and made inroads on several occasions, only to be thwarted by Jack Taylor and Brennan.

Oldham produced several promising moves, but forward passes and knock-ons upset their rhythm and proved to be their undoing.

Bolton produced a converted try midway through the half to put daylight between the sides.

Brennan and Hackman threatened late on, but Oldham could not force their way onto the scoresheet.

Callum Meagram was Oldham’s man-of-the-match thanks to a fine defensive performance.