Rugby Union: Oldham RUFC 15 - 19 Littleborough RUFC

On a dark winters afternoon Littleborough RUFC did the double on Oldham, whom they beat earlier in the season and continued with their alternate weeks winning programme.

Immediately prior to the match there was a minute silence for Tony Mulholland, Past President of Oldham RUFC who died on Friday 2 December, sincere condolences go to his family.

Littleborough started by soaking up continuous attacking pressure by Oldham, during which time Robert Chadwick was at the forefront with good defence, followed by his Captain, Andy Bairstow making good clearance kicks downfield and Josh Park carrying out good lineout work.

Oldham broke away on the left wing to score the first try. No conversion.

From the kick off Littleborough’s John Doherty put in a strong tackle on opposition ball catcher but Oldham followed with a high kicked ball up to Littleborough’s fullback which was unusually badly fielded and the referee awarded a penalty to Oldham, which they converted to put them eight points ahead.

Littleborough’s Nathan Ripley received the ball on the right wing , made a run then passed to his support player, Andy Bairstow who continued the attack before passing back to his winger Ripley for him to cross the line for a try for Littleborough. Converted by Andy Walton to make the points difference only one.

An attack by Oldham was halted when Littleborough’s Richard Taylor made a distance kick downfield to touch, followed with a penalty award to Littleborough that just missed.

Walton was successful with a further penalty award to put Littleborough in the lead.

Now player changes for Littleborough saw experienced Ben Irving come on to the field accompanied by Henry Ashworth.

Close to half time and Oldham were keeping Littleborough in their own half  with continuous attacking rugby with ball in hand but without adding to the score line.

Littleborough started the second half on the front foot, keeping play in the Oldham half with full back Chris Park making excellent attacking run down the left wing.

The Littleborough forwards were controlling the game with good play from Ted Chadwick and Stuart Bairstow.

The referee awarded Littleborough a further penalty, again converted by Walton.

Oldham got away on the right flank and for a converted try to take the lead once more.

Goldthorpe stopped another  Oldham attack, followed by Littleborough’s forwards getting their pack together to drive the Oldham pack backwards and nearly succeeding in getting over the try line.

Another successful penalty by Littleborough’s Walton put them back in the lead by one point.

Late in the second half Littleborough applied more pressure on Oldham with a good strong attacking run by Walton finishing nearly over the try line.

Walton was successful with yet another penalty award to increase the points score shortly before the final whistle brought the game to its end.

For his loose play work, his defensive play and his great ball work in the lineouts Littleborough’s man-of-the-match went to Ted Chadwick.