Roughyeds recover to earn 16th straight win

Oldham came from behind to claim a hard-fought 28-16 victory over Barrow Raiders, overturning a half-time deficit to extend their remarkable winning streak to 16 in the league.

Roughyeds were made to work for the two points by a Barrow side desperate to avoid a third consecutive defeat, with the visitors producing an impressive first-half display.

Alan Kilshaw's men made the perfect start when a slick attacking move sent Ben O'Keefe crashing over for the opening try. From there, however, Barrow took control, adapting far better to the wet and windy conditions at Boundary Park.

Ryan Johnston's intelligent kicking game caused Oldham no end of problems early on, forcing three goal-line drop-outs as the Raiders camped inside the Roughyeds' half and applied sustained pressure.

But for all of Barrow's pressure, the result was only a 12-4 lead at the break, which was swiftly cancelled out by the resolute Roughyeds in the second forty as they marched on for another gritty win.

Oldham's first try came after Dan Knott was unable to deal with Morgan Smith's towering, swirling kick. From the resulting set, Ben Davies was held up over the line, but Roughyeds kept the pressure on and Ben O'Keefe crossed for his first try since the opening day victory over Salford.

But, after letting a penalty in their favour go to waste, Roughyeds found themselves under increasing pressure as Barrow began to ask questions.

First, Brad Singleton was denied, then Tom Walker was held out, before a spilled Johnston kick kept Barrow on the front foot as the visitors continued to knock on the door.

This time Walker – who had nearly scored a moment ago – could not be stopped as he bulldozed his way through, and Johnston's conversion put the Raiders ahead.

It wasn't a day for short drop-outs – which have worked so well for Oldham this year – and repeated decisions to go short in the wet conditions proved costly, as the Raiders scored a second. Dan Knott slapped the ball down in the corner, with referee Scott Mikalauskas awarding the try only after consulting his touch judge, who had the perfect view of the grounding.

Despite the half-time deficit, Oldham stayed composed and made the perfect start to the second period with another Smith kick causing havoc. This time Luke Cresswell spilled the ball, allowing Tom Nisbet to pounce and touch down.

When Ted Chapelhow had the ball stripped from his grasp, it allowed Smith to slot over another easy two-pointer with the scores back level.

The Raiders were penalised again, presenting Smith with another opportunity from the tee, but he couldn't convert and missed the chance to give Roughyeds a slender advantage.

After completing a set six metres out from the Barrow line and pinned right in the corner, few would have predicted the next phase would end with a Raiders try – but that is exactly what unfolded.

Over-eager with their line speed, Roughyeds were caught offside to hand the Raiders an easy route out, and from one of their first attacks of the second half, Jarrad Stack powered his way over.

Barrow’s discipline, which has seen them on the receiving end of countless sin-binnings this year, soon began to prove costly.

Luke Forber was clattered as he attempted to break through, with the challenge resulting in Broadbent being shown a yellow card. With the man advantage, Roughyeds quickly went to work.

There were huge gaps in the Barrow line which Bayley Liu exposed as he strolled over, just a minute after play had resumed.