Oldham RUFC's 2nds secure maiden victory

Oldham RUFC’s 2nd XV picked up their first victory of the season on Saturday against the previously unbeaten Marple, bringing some new-found momentum and optimism to this season’s campaign. 

The valuable points were won by try-scorers Luke Ferrier x2, Phil Graham, and Riddick Mayanu. 

The game began with heavy phases of defence for the Oldham side, keeping Marple away from the try-line for over fifteen minutes in the face of runs, scrums, and mauls from the opposition’s strong forwards pack. 

After conceding the first try of the match, Oldham quickly responded with a try of their own from number eight Luke Ferrier, bringing the score to five all.

As the game continued, the score remained extremely close with Marple ending the first half two points ahead with a total of twelve. 

Yet, the home side remained committed to the game and saw out the final whistle with a 24-17 victory, having worked as an excellently coordinated unit throughout, utilising much of the work and ideas put into many,  weeks of training over the course of pre-season, and the opening weeks of the season.

Fly-half Owen Hewson used his new-found strength to great effect in the game, with a powerful hand-off on the cusp of the try-line being a notable display of power. 

Returning player Phil Graham also displayed similar prowess when carrying the ball, making much ground for the team. 

Brothers Harvey, and Lewis Ward both played a full eighty minutes at flanker, and scrum-half respectively, with Harvey going on to be awarded player of the match. 

Centres Tony Newman-Smith, and Mason Wood continued to work well as a pair bringing excellent defence, and ball-handling to the back line. 

Jason Green and Andrew Birch were also of significant value to the backs, with Jason returning to the pitch in the game’s closing stages as an essential impact player. 

Wingers Michael O’Sullivan and Shane Connaughton provided pace, and tackling ability to the squad, with Phil Marsh also stepping onto the wing, winning a number of yards for Oldham as he did.

Phil Conroy as ever displayed his incredible pace, and tackling ability at full back, anchoring the back line with his experience and leadership.

In the forwards pack, captain Les Moran displayed his versatility playing at both hooker and prop, leading the team by example with his resilience and determination. 

Carter West and Paul Reynolds performed strongly as props against a powerful Marple pack, ith Luke Ferrier stepping up to prop in the later stages of the game. 

Particularly impressive was Paul’s ability to continue play despite some issues with his arm that had previously been involved in a ‘life-threatening’ injury. 

Chris Brown also stepped into the front row, using his experience at hooker to great effect. 

The 2nd row of Andrew Hurley, and Ollie Twyford was strong as ever, with Simon Renshaw stepping in as well, with all three providing strength and stability in the scrum, as well as ball-carrying power in open play. 

Harvey Ward and Gareth Dawson were explosive as ever in the flanker positions, bringing excellent defence to the team in both the scrum, and open play. 

Luke Ferrier, displayed his power at eight, as did Riddick Mayanu when he entered the squad, using his signature power with the ball to great effect, scoring a try and a valuable five points for the team.