Eccles showed just why they are top of the table and the most feared team in the league with victory over an enthusiastic, committed but eventually outclassed Oldham.

Oldham started brightly and thanks to a fine try by Stuart Brennan after Lewis Fitton and Rob Froggatt had both gone close, and a touchline conversion and long-distance penalty by prolific points machine Alex Jobson (now with over 100 points this season) took an early 10 point lead. However, a series of infringements and the almost simultaneous sin binning of 2 Oldham players gave Eccles the momentum; they responded with two long- range spectacular tries using their outstanding pair of wingers to good advantage. An exchange of penalties saw the half time score of 15-13 to the hosts.

Oldham, already with a depleted side, and a last minute cry-off, had performed superbly, non-more so than prop Paul Wardle who stopped 2 dangerous moves that seemed inevitable scores with outstanding cover tackles. These efforts plus his role helping Oldham’s powerful front row gain scrum supremacy earned him a most well -deserved man of the match award.

Eccles played with poise, adventure, structure and organisation, rarely kicked and passed the ball wide to their impressive wingers to frequently stretch the Oldham defence .A depleted Oldham side had " hung in " well with outstanding centre Tom Davies operating at fly half, and two back row forwards operating as centres.

The first scores in the second half were likely to be crucial and Eccles immediately found a gap to extend their lead to 22-13. Oldham desperately needed a try and came close when Stuart Brennan crossed the line on 60 minutes but unfortunately couldn't ground the ball through a posse of Eccles defenders. As Oldham seemed to tire, Eccles with good handling, support and a willingness to counter attack from deep, extended their lead to 34-13 before Oldham scored a fine late try when good forward play had seen Ryan Arundale feed Tom Davies who sprinted over.

Thanks to both teams who produced such an entertaining game and the ref who gave an outstanding performance to help create such a fast, exciting ,clean and sporting contest.

Iain Maccorquodale