Oldham RLFC 24 - 34 Rochdale Hornets

Rochdale Hornets

Rochdale Hornets claimed their third win over Oldham in 2017 as they picked up a victory at Bower Fold in the final game of the regular season.

Hornets coach Alan Kilshaw admitted it wasn’t a ‘vintage’ performance but it was enough to pick up the two points in another fiery meeting of the two clubs.

A blistering start saw Hornets lead 18-0 inside the first 20 minutes, and due to that kept their opponents at arm’s length throughout the game.

Their goal line defence throughout was resilient and remarkable, as they stood up to the test a number of times to keep Oldham at bay.

There were some brilliant performances, especially from deadline day signing Dec Kay, as the fullback had Oldham on the back foot every time he touched the ball, and was also great in defence.

Kevin Penny also impressed as he grabbed a brace and made some dangerous carries, while Jono Smith and Ant Walker were solid in the forward pack.

It was Penny who broke the deadlock just four minutes in when he raced the length of the field to score an interception try. Danny Yates converted.

The lead was extended when Kay benefitted from a Smith offload to race over for a six pointer.

Lewis Galbraith forced a knock and off the back of that Jake Eccleston finished off Ben Moores’ clever break from dummy half.

Oldham crossed for their first score when Dan Smith ducked under a tackle to cross from close range.

Tempers flared and George Tyson ran from the opposite wing to land punches on Moores; both players spent the next 10 minutes in the sin bin.

Just before the break the Oldham struck with what could have been a game changing try; Adam Clay was first to react to a knock on from Scott Leatherbarrow’s last tackle kick.

Straight from the kick-off Hornets forced a knock on, and when Oldham held on in the tackle too long Yates knocked over a penalty goal.

Oldham 12 - 20 Rochdale Hornets

Oldham scored a try just four minutes into the second half with Dave Hewitt touching down Michael Ward’s offload - Oldham now juts two points adrift.

There was an immediate reply from Hornets. Lewis Foster’s bomb was dropped in the in-goal and Jordan Case accepted a gift of a try.

A tense period followed, with both sides going close.

Walker went over but was ajudged to have knocked on in the act of scoring. He played a huge part in the next score though. He broke and found Foster in support, and Kay finished off the move to give Hornets a 12 point lead.

The lead was halved when Tyson pounced on Leatherbarrow’s grubber to give Oldham hope.

It was false hope though, as Moores came up with a miraculous offload which eventually found its way to Penny, who had all the space in the world to stroll in for his second.

Hornets enjoyed another derby win and finished ninth ahead of the Championship Shield campaign.

Oldham RLFC: Steven Neild, Adam Clay, George Tyson, Sam Gee, Connor Williams, Scott Leatherbarrow, Dave Hewitt, Dan Smith, Kenny Hughes, Tyler Dickinson, Liam Bent, Luke Adamson, Jack Spencer.
Replacements: Daniel Grimshaw, Sadiq Adebiyi, Michael Ward, Ben Davies.
Tries: Smith, Clay, Hewitt, Tyson.
Goals: Leatherbarrow (4).

Rochdale Hornets: Dec Kay, Kevin Penny, Jake Eccleston, Lewis Galbraith, Chris Riley, Lewis Foster, Danny Yates, Lee Mitchell Ben Moores, Jo Taira, Jono Smith, Josh Crowley, Ant Walker.
Replacements: Ryan Maneely, Gavin Bennion, Matty Hadden, Jordan Case.
Tries: Penny (2), Kay (2), Eccleston, Case.
Goals: Yates (5)

Referee: G Hewer.