Saints slip in nip-and-tuck showdown

ON ITS WAY . . . spectators enjoy the warm sunshine as Mick Martindale puts boot to ball for Oldham St Anne’s.

RUGBY: DEFENCES were largely on top in this NCL Division Two mid-table encounter at Higginshaw Road, with Bradford Dudley Hill shading a 22-14 success against Oldham St Anne’s.

There was little between the two sides in the opening quarter until Aiden Batey spotted a rare gap and touched down for the visitors.

Saints’ hard work was rewarded when John Fox barged over to level the scores.

The game was all-square at the break.

Saints’ Eric Johnson knocked-on with the line begging in the early stages of the second half, but the hosts soon nosed ahead.

The home side defended stoutly until Dave Halley put Dudley Hill back level. Following a further defensive stint by Saints, Neil Wall touched down for the visitors and with an Andrew Robinson conversion, Dudley Hill moved 14-8 in front.

Saints responded to make it 14 points each, but the West Yorkshire outfit finally prevailed by way of a penalty and extra try and conversion.

Saints refused to give in and Michael Cadd was twice denied by some stubborn defending in the closing minutes.

Immediately below Mick Fogerty’s side in the table are WATERHEAD, edged out 34-28 at Stanley Rangers.

The visitors went in five times, with four successful goal attempts.

Rangers, who led 24-12 at the break, had Carl Hughes (two), Liam Crawley, Oliver Wood, James Senkiw and Jack Shephard to thank for their tries. The boot of Danny Grice made up the rest of the hosts’ tally.