Penalty drama leaves hosts empty-handed

Photo: PAUL STERRITT

I’M OVER: Carl Fields, of Oldham St Anne’s, celebrates a try against Stanley Rangers.

A LATE penalty goal denied 12-man Oldham St Anne’s a share of the spoils against Stanley Rangers in their first home game of the season

It was a tough one to take as Mick Fogerty’s side fought back valiantly from a 12-0 deficit at half-time, only to lose 24-22.

Saints were unable to get on the scoresheet in the opening period. Stanley took their chances and tries came from impressive scrum-half Danny Grice and Joel Marsh, while Grice landed both conversions.

Saints’ cause was hindered when scrum-half Mick Diveney was shown a red card for persistent dissent, but within minutes of the restart Lawrence Girvan spotted a rare gap and touched down in the corner.

Saints continued to press and a smart Kiel Lancashire pass saw Dominic Igoe dive in. With Lancashire converting, Saints were back in the game at 12-10.

Stanley replied with tries from Johnny Dickinson and James Bell, and with Grice adding a goal, the lead was 22-10.

Saints weren’t done. Stepping up a gear in the final quarter and with Simon Topping leading the way, they scored tries through Chris Carter and Carl Fields. Lancashire kicked both conversions and the match was all-square at 22-22.

Hopes of snatching a dramatic victory were scuppered at the death when Stanley’s Grice kicked his fourth goal of a productive afternoon.

Saints get another chance to get off the mark at home on Saturday when they welcome Millom to Higginshaw Road.



WATERHEAD Warriors were no match for early Division Three pacesetters Stanningley.

Josh Roberts was the hosts’ chief tormentor, running in seven tries in a superb individual performance.

Callum Smithson was also the fore, notching nine goals and a try.

Also touching down for Stanningley were Scott Pascall, Tom Kent, Mark Wall, Jack Brown and Brad Cox.

Martin Sarsfield impressed for Waterhead, who hit the road to Thornhill Trojans on Saturday.