Roughyeds' promotion hopes suffer a big setback with defeat at Hunslet

Images courtesy of Kev Creighton (KC Photography)

Oldham Rugby League Club’s hopes of finishing in Betfred League One’s top three, and thus having the best chance of winning promotion to the Championship, suffered a severe blow when they were beaten 21-8 by second-placed Hunslet at the South Leeds stadium.

Roughyeds dominated possession and position in the first half hour on the back of Hunslet’s mistake-riddled opening, but they failed to turn clear-cut chances into points and had no more than a Martyn Ridyard penalty goal to show for their early dominance.

That was before Hunslet hit back with tries by scrum-half Miles Lawford and right-winger Jack Render, both converted by Matt Beharrell from wide out, before half-time.

Full-back Jimmy Watson fluffed a gilt-edged chance to increase Hunslet’s lead before the clever Beharrell sent in centre Joe Burton for a third try, which Beharrell improved and then added a penalty goal for a 20-2 lead.

A stunning solo try by centre Connor Carr, converted by Ridyard, kept Oldham in the game but following the separate departures of Oldham forwards Deane Meadows and Luke Nelmes, both sin-binned, Mike Knowles dropped a goal to pug the issue beyond doubt.

Teenage half-back Lawford, on a temporary transfer from Bradford, was Hunslet’s top man, scoring their opening try and despatching a high-cut out pass to put Render in at the corner.

Unlucky Oldham last week signed experienced half-back Jamie Ellis from York to partner Ridyard, but he tweaked a hamstring in his first training session for his new club  and had to be withdrawn from the 21-man squad.

Lamented managing director Mike Ford: “The best-laid plans of mice and men . . .”

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