Oldham conceded four carbon copy tries as they fell to a disappointing home defeat in North Lancashire Division 1.

Each came after Hawcoat Park were awarded a penalty. They kicked to the corner, won their line outs and drove over the try line. Oldham had no answer and continued to give away silly penalties.

That was a shame as Oldham looked the better team with ball in hand and created plenty of opportunities.
The home side missed prop Chris Heptonstall, who was unavailable and Ross Cooper who for some unexplained reason started the game on the bench when his experience and calming influence were greatly needed.
The forwards played well in the loose with good yards being made by Stuart Brennan and John Souter while Phil Graham and Andy Gorey were the pick of the backs.

Hawcoat took the lead in the second minute with the first of their unconverted tries.

Oldham responded through wing man Phil Conroy after a good move involving Graham, Josh Brown and Stephen Hastings.

Two more Hawcoat tries gave the visitors a 15-5 half time lead.

Oldham started the 2nd half strongly and a try and conversion by Brown reduced Oldham’s deficit to three points, however a late try and penalty clinched victory for Hawcoat.

After last week’s superb victory this was an undisciplined display by Oldham who did not play as a team despite being the better players man for man than Hawcoat. They should take a lesson from this defeat

Unfortunately this will be the last game against Hawcoat Park for at least two seasons as the RFU, via the Cumbria County, have directed that all Cumbrian teams at level 8 or below will have to play in Cumbria. This means that both Hawcoat and Windermere will not be in North Lancs 1 next year.