Sad Oldham fail in every aspect

Oldham RU V Garstang

OLDHAM 7, GARSTANG 29
OLDHAM looked more like relegation candidates than the North Lancashire Division One promotion certainties many had believed at the start of the season.

Garstang won their home game against Oldham 21-12 and this victory was achieved in even more comfortable fashion thanks to the application of superior tactics.

Oldham were poor and could not match the visitors’ passion, team spirit and game plan.

Garstang enjoyed first use of a strong wind and kept Oldham penned in their own half for much of the first period.

And the hosts failed to do likewise after the break, preferring to throw the ball around which resulted in knock-ons or forward passes.

Oldham also showed a lack of discipline. At one stage, Dean McEwen was in the sin bin while Josh Brown was shown a red card for throwing a punch after being subjected to a late tackle.

While Oldham were down to 13 men, Garstang scored two tries to clinch victory and a bonus point.

Oldham did take the lead, however, in the 16th minute.

After some good defending, the forwards set up a ruck from which the ball broke to Brown, who made a lovely break before releasing Gareth Barber to score. Brown converted.

Oldham held on to their lead until a minute before half-time when the visitors scored after a rolling maul.

Direct from the restart, a kick and chase gave them a second try and Oldham were left feeling deflated.

The second half saw three Garstang tries, two of which were converted, and Oldham were unable to muster a reply.

They travel to Bolton on Saturday when coach Guy Lovegreen will be looking for an improved display against his former club.