Barber blow takes gloss off victory

IN THE CLEAR: Ryan North races through for Oldham’s fifth try of the match.

Burnley 1stS 21, Oldham 1stS 34

OLDHAM maintained their North Lancashire Division One title push with a comfortable victory

But it was achieved at a price, as player-coach Gareth Barber pulled up with a repeat of a hamstring problem that lost him most of last season.

Apart from long-term absentees, Oldham travelled to Burnley at full strength, but they knew they were in for a tough test as their hosts are a young side with lots of enthusiasm.

Charlie Roscoe gave Oldham the perfect start with a try in the corner, but Burnley hit back with a converted try which also resulted in Joe Hesse being handed a yellow card for interference.

Oldham regained the lead in the 25th minute when Callum Megram made a break before feeding Phil Graham to carry on and produce a long pass for Ryan Pickles to race over the line.

Both defences were holding up well, but approaching half-time Hesse made a break and kicked on. Phil Conroy got there first and managed to get the ball out to Will Mellor to score.

Soon after, Hesse crashed over for another try to secure Oldham a bonus point and 20-7 interval lead.

Burnley came out for the second half with renewed vigour and reduced the gap to six points with their second converted try.

But Oldham jitters were eased when Stuart Brennan bulldozed his way through tackles and set away Adam Waterhouse on a good run before he passed to Ryan North to go over. Callum Megram converted to make it 27-14.

Oldham made victory secure on the hour mark when Lewis Simister and Brennan released Waterhouse for a try converted by Megram.