Tyson lands KO blow

OLDHAM St Anne’s were unable to keep Askam down as they started life in Division Two of the National Conference League with a 26-18 defeat.

For long periods of the game it looked as though Chris Deakin’s team would prevail, but the Cumbrians staged a terrific comeback in the last quarter, scoring three converted tries at Fallowfield Park.

Saints got off to a terrific start with three unanswered tries, each of which were converted by Lee Forsyth.

Hooker David Sweeney first dived over from acting half-back in the third minute, before Mick Fogarty and Chris Carter made the yards to send in Terry Whalley under the posts.

Nathan Jewitt then launched a long ball for Carter, and with Forsyth adding the extras, the lead was up to 18-0 with the game only a quarter old.

Askam got on the board just before the break after Saints conceded back-to-back penalties. Replacement James Duerden touched down with full-back Kieron Tyson adding the goal from the touchline.

Young Kendal Davies was held up over the line in the second period, before the visitors suffered a huge blow with 15 minutes to go.

They lost Dominic Igoe to a dislocated shoulder, which seemed to affect their concentration.

Duerden grabbed a second try before Tyson levelled the scores with a try. The latter also landed both conversions.

With time running out, Forsyth saw his penalty attempt drift wide of the posts, but at the other end of the field, Tyson gave the home side the lead for the first time with a penalty.

Duerden completed his hat-trick and again that man Tyson slotted over the conversion.