After last weeks strong performance from a patched up Oldham side, Eccles were welcomed to Oldham in what was expected to be a tough encounter. Eccles have struggles to pick up as many wins as they probably would have hoped but we knew from our previous game and their recent results this would not be an easy game. Selection was once again no easy task with Rob Froggatt, Kristaps Lusins to name a few dropping out. This has been the worst injury crisis seen at the club for years and shows no signs of letting up however it has enabled many youngsters to step and gain good experience whilst showing they are capable of mixing it at this level. Fortunately Will Mellor was available which allowed Jordan McEwan to revert back to his normal position of prop.
The weather was warm and dry and the scene was set for an expansive enjoyable game of rugby for both teams. Unfortunately by the end of the game – there was only one team who could be satisfied with their performance.
The game kicked off with Oldham attacking down the slope and it in typical recent form – Oldham started very slowly. Eccles, who played an impressive expansive game, opened up the point scoring with a well worked backs move. The fullback converted brilliantly from the touchline and this was a sign of things to come.
Oldham managed to creep back into the game, firstly with a penalty conversation from Alex Jobson and a try scored from a great pass from Will Mellor and good line run from Jordan McEwan close to the line. This was quickly followed up by a breakaway try from Ryan North following some strong defence from Charlie Roscoe and Ryan Arundale.
This was probably the last positive aspect of the first half for Oldham as poor discipline took over. The referee, who enjoyed using his whistle heavily throughout the game, started to clamp down on Oldham both in their play and questioning of decisions. This resulted in 3 sin bin incidents within 15 minutes leaving Oldham badly exposed. This is unacceptable for Oldham and Eccles, who were playing some excellent team rugby, took their chance and scored another two good tries.
Half time could not come quick enough for Oldham. It was a tight affair but Eccles were playing the better rugby and Oldham, who in addition to poor discipline, couldn’t maintain any decent field position due to poor handling skills.
As the second half kicked off it was hoped Oldham’s ill-discipline and poor handling would improve but sadly this didn’t happen. This allowed Eccles to constantly move the ball around making good line breaks. With organised forwards who could pass the ball around – this allowed their fast and elusive backs to get on the front foot. Eccles scored two more well deserved tries and took a strong lead into the last twenty minutes. This sparked a mini revival from Oldham and after some good tempo rugby - Stuart Brennan scored an exceptional try in which he dummied past four players from 30 yards out to bring Oldham within touching distance of Eccles. Momentum swung towards Oldham and good ball control and composure was needed to keep testing a strong Eccles team. Unfortunately despite several line breaks and near misses – this did not happen. Oldham produced some of their best interlink possession rugby which gave the backs some room to get on the outside. It looked as though the try was coming – but a fantastic cover tackle stopped Oldham within metres of the line to maybe tie the game up. In the ruck, the ball came loose and Eccles outside centre picked the ball up to go the entire length of the pitch to score and put the game to bed. A try he well deserved. Eccles scored again to seal the victory as the clock wound down.
Final Score: Oldham 1st 24 v Eccles 1st 37
In truth Eccles fully deserved the result and if they had played like this all year, would definitely be much higher up the league. They were well organised and not afraid to pass the ball about. We wish them all the best in their final game and going forward into next season.
For Oldham, it is one to forget very quickly. Poor discipline in many different aspects and handling got punished and although we nearly snatched some points towards the end, it would have been very lucky and undeserved. The squad has played some fantastic rugby in previous months and hopefully this performance can be dusted off and the season can be concluded with a much better team performance on Saturday against an expansive Fleetwood team. I expect a good free flowing game and one Oldham will have to prepare correctly this week at training to be ready for.
Man of the match went to Luke Roscoe, whose outstanding enthusiasm and work ethic kept Oldham in the game from time to time. Once he moved into the middle he helped lift the much needed energy of the team.