Saturday saw the first game of 2017 at Kellet Road, pitch inspection saturday morning and no problem whatsoever with the ground as we looked to get back to winning ways against a strong looking Oldham outfit. The Oldham side had gained a decent victory last week over promotion chasing Ormskirk and came up north looking for another scalp. Carnforths injury woes continued as Kevin Hardy, Chris Albiston and John Edmondson were all drafted in for their first games of the season to assist the squad.
Nathan OConnor returned to full back and he left his mark on and off the pitch (following a late Friday night). Carnforth got off to a decent start when Jason Short and Nick Hamer linked to allow centre Mathew Short to cut through for his 16th try of the season, his conversion giving his team a 7 - 0 lead after 5 minutes.
Penalties were the downfall last weekend at Tarleton and once again Carnforth fell foul of the referees whistle and the opposition kickers had a great day with 3 successful penalties(one a superb knock from half way) as Oldham silenced the home crowd to move into the lead at 9 - 7. The visitors were enjoying plenty of possession with the stand off having a fine game - they had plenty of strong runners and its difficult to understand why they are in the bottom half of the league table.
On the half hour and a superb run by Jason Short resulted in hooker Dave Hones taking the ball through to score, Mathew Short added the extra two. Oldham came back and when an overlap appeared the centre took the wrong option of trying a chip kick which went dead. Quick thinking from OConnor saw the full back take a short 22 drop out, pick the ball up and sprint away down the flank to score in the corner, with the TMO not in Carnforth today the try was awarded.
A fourth penalty from Oldham resulted in a 19 - 12 half time deficit - Carnforth knew the game was far from over. Oldham came out for the second half in strong fashion with the whole squad having a big impact, the wrong line sketch once again saved Carnforth as the visitors pushed forward. Man of the match Dan Blenkharn was a constant threat to Oldham and his excellent work in the loose along with Sam Tomlinson and Matti Davenport resulted in Carnforth moving down the field. Another quick penalty saw OConnor take the ball to allow Albiston to glide down the touchline to score on his return to the side. 5 minutes later and Blenkharn again provided the run to set up play for a try, this time Hones again in support to score his second of the day, Donald Haddow converting well. Moments later and Jack Edmondson managed to break through and when it seemed he was going to be stopped he stretched down to touch the ball over the line for a try, Haddow converted for a 38 - 12 scoreline and seemingly game over.
But Oldham are a side who never give up as we found out in October at their place, the stand off cut a superb line of running to score an excellent solo try, conversion added. Two minutes later and the centre was able to go through for a try, also converted as the score was reduced to 12 points with 9 minutes to play - pressure on Carnforth.
But the hosts managed to secure the ball with Jason Waterhouse and Shane Weed controlling from the front, Blenkharn continuing his great work before stand off Hamer was able to burst through the challenges to score a try, Haddow using the upright to notch a hat-trick of conversions. The last play of the game saw OConnor make a superb break to score a fine try - his second of the day to bring up the half century.
Many thanks to the Oldham side for an excellent game and thanks for their time in the clubhouse afterwards - we wish Matt and his squad well for the remainder of the season.
Carnforth - the covers are going on the pitch this week - please attend training as we get ready for the game with Clitheroe at kellet Road.
Man of the match - Dan Blenkharn