Oldham lose out in dying minutes

ADM Premier Division: Oldham 15-33 West Park St Helens

It was cold with a strong wind blowing from the west as West Park commenced proceedings. It quickly became apparent that Oldham were up for the fight and they were immediately on the offensive. Following a combination of good quality tight work in the forwards with direct running by the backs, Oldham were soon deep in their 22.

As the visitors struggled to reorganise their defence, Oldham spread the ball out wide and some fast handling in the backs created space outside and Arundale had a free run to the line and the hosts led 5-0.

As West Park settled into the game they began to take advantage of the elements and a strong wind and some large accurate boots regularly gained yardage and field position and pinned Oldham in their own territory. But the Oldham defence was organised and aggressive and they managed to keep West Park at bay despite considerable pressure. The defence was such that West Park chose to have a shot at a penalty, but they hit the post and Oldham retained their 5-0 lead.

They also tried a few chips over the aggressive Oldham defensive line but the back three were ever alert and swept well. West Park started to play a more expansive game but the Oldham defence scrambled well even when they were reduced to 14 men following an unnecessary red card for dissent. You had to have some sympathy for the offender as he truly believed he had stolen the ball in the tackle. But it is one of those tough judgements for a referee of whether a tackle has been made or not and the benefit of the doubt will always be given to the attacking team.

Oldham had just survived the10 minute yellow card period as they re-started the game with a goal line drop out. It was caught on the full by a strong running outside centre who took full advantage of an Oldham defensive line that resembled a dogs hind leg and a try was inevitable once he had evaded the first tackle. The conversation under the sticks gave the visitors a 5-7 lead.

The game ebbed and flowed but the conditions meant that West Park won the territorial battle and they made the advantage pay just before half time with an unconverted try that made the score 5-12.

As the wind dropped Oldham lost a couple of influential forwards. But they maintained their good form and it was no surprise when they reduced the arrears. Oldham attacked down the right and then swung the ball left. West Park looked to have snuffed out the threat but Josh Watson was in support as ever and he plunged over to reduce the arrears to 10-12. A difficult conversion that would have levelled the scores drifted wide. 

As the Oldham side began to tire, West Park started to find gaps especially around the breakdown and make ground down the middle of the pitch. The pressure eventually told when they scored a converted try to lead 10-19.

As the game entered the last 10 minutes, Oldham were still very much in the contest but points proved hard to come by. Alex Jobson got the ball in space and kicked ahead with the line begging but was obstructed. Oldham wondered whether a penalty try and card would be awarded but it turned out to be just a penalty. Oldham opted for a scrum which led to another penalty and another scrum. This time as they marched forward Pickles touched down and with a few minutes left we were right back in it at 15-19.

But the tanks were now more or less empty now and the visitors took full advantage scoring a couple of further tries to secure a bonus point win with the final score 15-33.