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Oldham 38 - 26 Blackpool Panthers

7/ 5/2008

SEVEN tries saw the Roughyeds record their fifth win from six league games following a performance which left coach Steve Deakin considering his position.

Although the Oldham boss appeared to be the victim of some abuse during the second half, it was his players’ display which left Deakin less than pleased come the final hooter.

About the only positive that came out of Monday’s performance was that the Roughyeds again illustrated an ability to win while playing badly.

However, their latest three points came against a side that had recorded only one victory in 48 games and after Oldham had established a 16-0 lead in the opening 13 minutes.

With Ian Hodson (dead leg) missing and Neil Roden recalled to the bench, Oldham set the tone when Rob Roberts knocked on from the opening kick-off when the ball was all set to go out on the full.

Having overcome that early obstacle, three tries in seven minutes appeared to have set Oldham on the way to a comfortable victory. The first came in the sixth minute when Simeon Hoyle twisted and turned his way over, followed by scores from Marcus St Hilaire and Rob Roberts.

Mick Nanyn converted two of the goals as the Roughyeds appeared to be in cruise control, only for the visitors to then be allowed back into the game.

Quickfire tries for David Llewellyn and Damien Munro, both converted by Johnny Leather, made it 16-12 and made for an anxious build-up to half-time.

Tries from James Coyle and Danny Halliwell, plus a Nanyn conversion, then put Oldham 26-12 ahead at the break after which they were outscored by three tries to two.

Paul O’Connor and Lucas Onynago went over for Oldham, only for Munro and John Gillam to reply likewise for the visitors.

The crucial try came with five minutes remaining though as Munro completed his hat-trick to give Blackpool a bonus point and leave everyone concerned with the Roughyeds feeling distinctly underwhelmed.