OLDHAM and Dewsbury Rams, third and first respectively in Betfred League One, fought out a magnificent 26-26 draw at the Vestacare Stadium, Rams dropping their first league point of the season despite a late fightback which produced tries by David Dixon and Bailey O’Connor, both converted beautifully from wide out by Paul Sykes.
That put Rams 26-24 ahead with three minutes left, but with only seconds remaining Oldham were given a penalty near half-way and man-of-the-match Martyn Ridyard landed the pressure kick to produce the all-square result.
Oldham, still unbeaten at home, led 20-14 at half-time and stretched their lead to 24-14 with two more Ridyard penalties early in the second half — and they remained in front until three minutes from the end.
This is what they said:
DEWSBURY boss Liam Finn:
“Oldham were the better side over the 80 minutes. They were outstanding. They played some good football and I don’t think they made a single mistake in the first hour. I’m proud of my lads, though, because they dug-in and hit back superbly.”
OLDHAM captain Martyn Ridyard, man of the match and champagne-moment winner for his equalising long range penalty with almost the last play of the match:
“I’m a bit sulky because I thought it was a point lost rather than a point won. We’ve been unable to get any attacking rhythm because we’ve not had rugby every week, but we do now and I think you’ll see an even better Oldham side in the next three weeks. I can’t wait.”
FORMER Oldham chairman John Chadwick:
“It was a classic – a great advert for Rugby League in League One. Riddy comes from Leigh – apologies for that – and if he wants to speak I’ll be his interpreter. When he gets a bit more experience he won’t be a bad ‘un, will he ?”
COACH Stuart Littler:
“I’m proud of the lads. We tried to play an exciting brand of rugby and we also showed that that we are a team that can go head to head with the best in the division. We also became the first side to take a point off the Rams in the league this season.”
MANAGING director Mike Ford:
“The lads are a bit down in there and that’s good. It shows they care. Just as importantly, how far have we come when the lads are so down because we only got one point off the unbeaten league leaders ? “
Don’t forget the fans’ forum tomorrow (Tuesday) night. It’s an opportunity not to be missed.
