It’s all Good for Oldham

RUGBY UNION:

Burnley 22, Oldham RUFC 32

OLDHAM, who led 25-3 at half-time, won this absorbing contest slightly more easily than the scoreline suggests.

But they conceded a string of penalties which gave Burnley a lifeline and helped them to reduce their deficit with a couple of late tries.

Gareth Barber’s kicking game caused the hosts early problems and when he put Joe Hesse into space, the big centre ran 40 metres before diving over to the right of the posts. Callum Megram added the goal.

After Burnley and Oldham had swopped penalties, a further Megram kick and Barber try provided clear water for Oldham.

And when Mark Goodman brushed aside two challenges to send in Barber for his second try, Oldham led by 22 points at the interval.

But their indiscipline cost them dear again when Burnley gratefully accepted the chance of a try after a string of penalties.

The hosts then lost their full-back when he was sent to the sin bin for using his boot too liberally in a ruck, which resulted in Max Horsall leaving the field with a gash on his forehead.

Burnley were still in the game at this stage, but Hesse eased any Oldham worries when shrugging off three tacklers and releasing Megram to scoot up the wing and score a try he converted to make it 32-8.

Two late, converted tries gave the scoreline a flattering look for the hosts, but Oldham were deserved winners and had an excellent man-of-the-match in Goodman.