Roughyeds beat Batley and keep run going

Oldham extended their run of wins to 11 in the Betfred Championship as they earned a 26-6 win over Batley Bulldogs.

Roughyeds controlled the game but faced a frustrating Bulldogs side which were in the contest before Oldham scored twice in the final quarter of the game to see off James Ford's side.

The win over the Bulldogs matches the best run of wins since 2001, and keeps Alan Kilshaw's side – who have two games in hand over Barrow and Newcastle above them – firmly in the play-off race.

"It was a high quality game, and one we much prefer than winning 60 or 70 against other teams" said the Roughyeds boss.

I'm very pleased we conceded only one try and we've toughed it out, and we'll get a lot out of that.

They've got an outstanding spine and have a lot of experience and they asked a lot of questions of us so I'm really pleased."

Oldham struck within the first ten minutes and remained in control for the rest of the contest, with Batley unable to find a way through.

Despite the dominance, Batley dug deep defensively to repel several waves of attacks preventing Oldham from racing away and keeping the game alive until after the hour mark.

"I don't think we was as potent in our attack as we have been," explained Kilshaw

Our spine was a little off today, I don't know if it was the pitch.

In the first twenty minutes we probably could have scored four or five tries.. it is probably the first time we've been off in attack for a while.

We will look at that, but overall, I am pleased."

A sweeping attack down the right edge saw Tom Nisbet cut back inside and muscle his way over for the game's opening try.

Oldham soon extended their lead through Jack Walker, whose quick footwork and sudden change of direction left Batley defenders wrong-footed as the full-back cruised over the whitewash.

Debutant Jake Thewlis came close to adding a third, but was unable to gather Walker’s fizzing pass. Although Oldham may have felt they deserved a greater reward for their dominance, they at least headed into the break having limited Batley to just one genuine opportunity near their line.

Batley reduced the deficit early in the second half when Robbie Butterworth was given room out wide.

However, Batley’s momentum was halted by an ill-disciplined moment from Michael Ward, whose late challenge was penalised. Morgan Smith made no mistake with the resulting kick, calmly adding the extras to re-establish a two-score cushion.

Oldham then put themselves firmly in control when Nisbet latched onto Smith’s hanging kick, taking the ball cleanly before powering over for his second try of the afternoon. Smith added another penalty in the closing stages, while Bibby also crossed, sealing the victory and extending Oldham’s strongest run of form in over 25 years.