Roughyeds bounce back in super style

Date published: 30 April 2018


by Ryan Booth

After the disappointment of the comprehensive Challenge Cup exit to the hands of Hull KR, Oldham returned to winning ways with a well-deserved 32-10 triumph over Workington Town at Derwent Park.

Tries from Liam Bent, Danny Langtree, Lee Kershaw, Luke Hooley, Phil Joy and David Hewitt secured Scott Naylor’s side two pivotal points in their bid to climb the Betfred League 1 table.

Despite ultimately suffering defeat last time out, the Roughyeds had produced a valiant effort throughout the showdown with Super League’s Kingston Rovers and carried this momentum into the long trip to Cumbria.

Jordan Tansey’s kick-off fell over the dead ball line and gave Oldham possession. After a well worked move, Liam Bent crashed over to give the visitors the lead with just 90 seconds on the clock - Paul Crook was unable to land the resulting conversion though as the ball landed wide.

Oldham’s lead didn’t last long however, after a good spell of pressure the hosts’ efforts were rewarded as Carl Forber picked out Nick Gregson with a sublime pass before the latter raced 15m to touch down.

Jamie Foster added the extras to give Workington a 6-4 lead but Oldham responded well and restored their lead ten minutes later as Danny Langtree skipped out of a challenge to power over the line before Crook duly converted the subsequent goal.

After a frustrating end to the half for either side, Roughyeds’ ball carrying finally paid dividends when Lee Kershaw rounded the Workington defence to score a minute before the interval.

Oldham picked up where they left off after the break and opened the scoring in style as full-back Luke Hooley picked up the ball 30m from the line, bypassed numerous opposition defenders before crossing over to round off a fine individual effort.

Crook added the extras before things quickly got from bad to worse for Workington as Jamie Doran was sin-binned for a shoulder charge on Kieran Gill, leaving the hosts with a man disadvantage.

This proved pivotal as Roughyeds found themselves in again moments later when Phil Joy crashed over before Crook added his third goal of the afternoon.

The Cumbrians responded well however and claimed a consolation as Elliot Miller fought off several Oldham defenders before surging over, but Foster was unable to add the extras the further reduce the deficit between the sides.

Bent was shown a yellow card six minutes from time after punching a Town counterpart but Oldham’s momentum wasn’t to be halted, Matt Reid broke forward before finding David Hewitt who touched down four minutes after Bent’s exit.

Crook then added the extras to complete the scoring and cap off an encouraging afternoon for Naylor’s men.

Workington Town: Tansey, Rooke, Miller, Foster, Patrick, Doran, Forber, Wilkes, Newton, Scholey, Gregson, Olstrom, Barnes.

Interchanges: Leatherbarrow, Singleton, Blagbrough, Cunningham.

Oldham: Hooley, Eccleston, Reid, Gill, Kershaw, Crook, Hewitt, Joy, Hughes, Spencer, Bridge, Langtree, Bent.

Interchanges: Owen, Wilkinson, Jones, Nelmes.

Workington Scorers: Gregson (9’), Miller (65’)  | Goals- Foster (1/2).

Oldham Scorers: Tries - Bent (1’), Langtree (19’), Kershaw (39’), Hooley (49’), Joy (55’), Hewitt (78’) | Goals -  Crook (4/6).

Referee: Nicholas Bennett.

Chronicle Man Of The Match: Luke Hooley.

Attendance: 712.