Rugby Union: Littleborough RUFC 25 - 12 Oldham RUFC

Photo: Barry Hobson

Matt Goldthorpe - Littleboroughugh RUFC 25 v 12 Oldham RUFC

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Littleborough RUFC outplayed local rivals Oldham and picked up further points for four tries scored.

Oldham kicked off and in the early minutes of the game were on the offensive before the Littleborough worked their way upfield to the Oldham 10 metres area. Good play from Andy Bairstow and Chris Park ended with Murphy Holt crossing the line for an early try.

Littleborough came close to increasing their lead with a penalty which just slid past the outside of the posts.

A good attack from Paul Fino resulted in another Littleborough penalty and this time the conversion by Nathan Coop was successful.

Bairstow put in a well-judged distance kick up into Oldham half chased by Littleborough’s winger Nathan Ripley who was knocked over the touchline near the Oldham tryline. The referee awarded Littleborough a penalty try, which was converted by Coop.

Oldham started to get into the game and with continuous pressure and attacking rugby from their forwards they crossed the try line for their first score.

The Oldham renaissance was short-lived as following bad ball handling led to Littleborough winger David Kearns running in a great try.

The second half saw Littleborough operating downhill and Robert Chadwick was on for Josh Park, followed not long after by Murphy Holt having to leave the field with a damaged wrist and being replaced.

Oldham having a rare moment of supportive rugby, and for once able to hold on to the ball, got back into the match when they scored a converted try.

Winger Andy Roberts came on to rest Kearns and his kick into touch by the Oldham five metres area was followed by brilliant ball handling from Littleborough’s backline to feed Ripley who croseds the line for Littleborough’s fourth try.

An exceptional performance by Littleborough involving all 15 team players and substitutes palying their part to a high standard.

Man-of-the-katc was hooker John Doherty who worked hard all game to defend and secure the ball from which he would then attack.

Three successive wins for Littleborough must surely please coaches Richard Rawlinson and Michael Howard.