Roughyeds extend winning run with Dons win

Oldham extended their winning run to eight games with a hard-fought 18–10 victory over Doncaster in their return to Boundary Park.

Roughyeds returned to the venue with a bang, after a near eight month absence, scoring four tries to see off an in-form Dons side.

It was a game in which Oldham controlled from the start, taking the lead early on and keeping Richard Horne's side scoreless in the first forty.

"We defended our line really well," said Roughyeds boss Alan Kilshaw.

"To keep a team like that to pen points is an outstanding effort. Some of that defence at 18-10 – when there was still 20+ minutes to go – on our goal-line was really good.

"We won't fall in love – we are still building. We know there are some tough challenges ahead, but right now we are just happy to be here (Boundary Park) and get the win."

Josh Drinkwater claimed the Man of the Match award, chosen by game sponsors Oldham Council, after his involvements in several Oldham tries.

Luke Forber was the man to get the ball rolling for Oldham as he finished acrobatically off the back of a slick Bibby pass.

Just moments later, Josh Drinkwater carved open a gap after throwing a dummy which allowed Jake Bibby to double the Roughyeds' lead.

Despite the size and power of the Dons’ pack, the game was largely dictated by Oldham’s terms. Richard Horne’s side created opportunities, but found little reward against a resilient and disciplined Roughyeds defence.

Once again, Drinkwater came up with a big moment. He snatched in to collect Mustapha's pass and darted off. He then sidestepped both Edene Gebbie and Tom Holmes to put his side three scores up.

A superb defensive effort from Farnworth, Forber, and Walker saw Mitieli Vulikijapani bundled into touch just before the break, ensuring the Dons still had plenty of work to do heading into the second half.

Finally, the Dons sneaked through with Jacob Jones going over from close range.

The Dons' lack of cutting edge was punished when Jack Walker spun his way over to score, restoring Roughyeds' advantage.

The South Yorkshire side kept battling and Alex Sutcliffe found his way over in a move direct from the scrum.

Oldham, though, held firm to claim the win.