Saints make their point as Bridge are pegged back

RUGBY:

Ince Rose Bridge 24, Oldham St Anne’s 24

OLDHAM St Anne’s staged a superb second-half comeback to snatch a share of the points at Ince Rose Bridge.

Saints looked out of contention at the interval in their latest North-West Counties League Lower Division clash. They trailed 14-0, having conceded a converted try and two further touchdowns.

Ten minutes after the break, a solo effort from hooker Martyn Dwaine broke the deadlock for a un-goaled try for Saints.

But three minutes later, Bridge extended their advantage when centre Mark Hughes grabbed his second score of the game for John Simpson to add the goal.

On the hour mark, Sean Stubbs and Dave Sweeney combined to put James Shaw in at the corner, with Dominic Bryan landing the touchline conversion.

First-team player-coach Mick Fogerty fancied a run-out prior to the opening of the National Conference League season, and he was involved in Saints’ next score.

Breaking from the half-way line, he drew the Wigan full-back and sent Dwaine in for his second try.

With eight minutes remaining it looked like Bridge would revenge their 48-30 defeat earlier in the

season at Higginshaw Road when prop forward Peter Reid crossed the line for a ten-point lead, but two tries in the last four minutes from Bryan and young Callum Cashin at the corner flag rescued the Saints.



SADDLEWORTH Rangers have been drawn at home to fellow National Conference League outfit Milford Marlins in the first round of the 2014 Tetley’s Challenge Cup. Ties will take place on the weekend of February 1/2.