Pickles picks the perfect moment

WELL DONE, MATE: Rhys Jones is congratulated by his Oldham team-mates after levelling the scores with the side’s first try.

Ashton-u-Lyne 1sts 5, Oldham 1sts 10

OLDHAM left it late to secure a hard-fought victory in gruelling conditions.

The North Lancashire Division One leaders trailed 5-0 at half-time, but second-half tries by Rhys Jones and Ryan Pickles secured bragging rights against their neighbours.

Ashton's heavy, streetwise pack took control in the early exchanges, starving Oldham of possession and trundling forward with their rolling mauls.

Oldham had to soak up wave after wave of attacks, but as the first half drew to its conclusion their backs began to give Ashton something to think about.

And the scrum, led by Tom Hannon at loose head prop, also performed well - which could not be said of a malfunctioning line-out.

Oldham came out for the second half with renewed vigour and, after six minutes, achieved parity.

A gap opened for Phil Conroy to race into and, from the resulting ruck, the ball came back to Gareth Barber, who put in a lovely crossfield kick for Jones.

The prop made the most of his chance, dummying a defender before racing 20 metres to score his first try at senior level.

Despite this boost, Oldham had to produce more backs-to-the-wall defending. Ashton camped on their line for seven minutes before the visitors were able to clear.

The game could have gone either way, but it was Oldham who made the decisive play six minutes from the end.

A penalty took them into the Ashton half and quick passing found Pickles, who used the space to speed to the line.

This was a notable victory for Oldham. This was the type of game Oldham used to lose, so victory augurs well for their promotion push.