Roughyeds extend remarkable league run

Oldham were made to work hard for their tenth consecutive league win when they came from behind late on to defeat Workington Town 24-28.

Roughyeds appeared to be cruising after opening up a 22-0 advantage in the first quarter, but Town clawed their way back into the contest as Oldham were reduced to 12 men, forcing Kilshaw to field a number of players out of position.

Workington led just before the hour mark and seemed set for a shock win, but Matty Ashurst's late hat-trick-clinching try, scored just minutes from the hooter, ensured the two points headed back to Oldham.

Running on a threadbare squad and without the option of reinforcements from Warrington this week, Roughyeds were at least strengthened by the return of Emmanuel Waine to Alan Kilshaw's ranks.

Though Oldham's squad was stretched further during the game, with Ben Davies switching between a number of positions, including half-back and full-back when Jack Walker went off.

Unlike the Midlands 1895 Cup encounter, where Oldham were unable to stem the tide, Roughyeds kept their composure to preserve their remarkable winning run, eventually wearing down a determined Town side that put up a much stronger fight than in the reverse fixture.

Matty Ashurst opened the scoring after Oldham switched play from right to left on the final tackle. When Adam Milner received the ball in front of the posts, he spotted his second-rower in support who spun over to score.

Jack Walker doubled Oldham’s advantage shortly after, and it was down that left edge again, with the full-back throwing a dummy to carve open the gap.

The standout moment of the match came courtesy of a brilliant offload from Milner, which released the charging Ryan Lannon through the middle of the pitch. Spotting Smith in support, Lannon delivered the pass, and Smith crossed under the posts.

Workington hit back before half-time as Lewthwaite sliced through the defence and sent Rio Corkill over under the posts. Replays, though, appeared to show Matty Wildie being obstructed, creating the gap that allowed the Town second-rower to surge through untouched.

A low kick from full-back Zarrin Galea was pounced on by Corkill who scored his second and reduced Oldham’s advantage to just two scores.

Town extended their advantage after Tom Nisbet’s sin-binning for a professional foul. Evan Lawther, possibly in an offside position, raced off his goal-line to intercept Wildie’s pass and spark a swift counterattack. Forber battled hard to bring him down, but Lawther found Leigh in support, allowing the winger to finish off the move.

Workington went ahead after Doran broke through and fed Walmsley, who had too much pace for Ted Chapelhow.

Town, though, couldn’t hang on as Ashurst charged through to complete his hat-trick, sending the vocal travelling Roughyeds supporters home happy.

Header image by Ben Challis