Oldham get stuck in the mud

Chris McKenzie rises to the challenge for Oldham in the line-out

RUGBY UNION:

Oldham RUFC 1st 3, Burnley 1st 5
GLUEPOT conditions made this a war of attrition which suited the large, resolute Burnley pack in this North Lancashire Division One game.

Joe Hesse was a late injury cry-off for Oldham, missing out on captaining the side against one of his old clubs, but Rob Froggatt returned to the ranks after a stint in the Falkland Islands with his regiment.

The only two scores of the game came quite early, Callum Meagram slotting home a penalty before Burnley’s number eight broke from the back of the scrum to score in the right corner.

After the break, Phil Conroy made some dazzling runs out of defence for Oldham, but the final pass continually went astray.

The rucking and counter-rucking from both sides began became a theme for the half and although Oldham forced their way to the opposition posts in the final two minutes they were unable to cross the line for the decisive try.

Oldham’s man of the match was Hackman, who did not take a backward step all afternoon and typified the spirit of the team.