First impressions

Waterhead's Jason Andrews is tackled by Saddleworth's Ben Whitehead

RUGBY: 

CRAIG Farrimond and Mick Slicker junior ran the rule of their new charges for the first time in the Oldham Amateur League’s Standard Cup and witnessed a competitive, open game.

Saddleworth Rangers coach Farrimond was the one celebrating at the final whistle after an 18-10 victory over National Conference League rivals Waterhead at Churchill playing fields.

But opposite number Sicker junior saw his side take an early lead in the first-round clash. The conversion attempt was missed and Rangers struck back in the sixth minute with a touchdown and goal.

A narrow 6-4 advantage was turned into a 12-4 lead after 25 minutes thanks to Jack Connor’s try and Whitehead’s conversion.

Both defences proved hard to break down, and it wasn’t until the mid-way stage of the second half that the scoreboard ticked over again.