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Rochdale Hornets 26 Oldham Roughyeds 20

Gavin Browne
30/ 1/2008

THREE second-half tries proved in vain as the Roughyeds were beaten in Sunday's AJ Law Cup match at Spotland.

The defeat, Oldham's eighth consecutive reverse against the Hornets, was a deserved one on the balance of play throughout the 80 minutes.

Too many unforced errors, coupled with Rochdale's enthusiasm and no little skill, ensured it was Bobbie Goulding's side collecting the silverware at full time.

Ian Sinfield dived over for Rochdale to open the scoring on four minutes, his try converted by Chris Hough, before Marcus St Hilaire reduced Oldham's deficit with a try in the corner.

However, tries from Martin Ainscough and Chris Campbell, along with two Hough goals and a Craig Bower conversion, put the Hornets 20-4 ahead with half-an-hour left.

Although Rob Roberts touched down for Oldham, Ainscough's second try and Bower's goal looked to have made the game safe as Rochdale led 26-8 with 21 minutes remaining.

However, tries from Phil Joseph and Jason Boults, both converted by Mick Nanyn, set up a tense finish.

Paul O'Connor and Sinfield went close for either side, but it was the Hornets celebrating at the final hooter as Oldham were left with work to do ahead of Friday's opening Northern Rail Cup group game.

Click on the video window for match highlights from Channel M's Code XIII ...