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York City Knights 40 - 24 Oldham

6/ 8/2008

OLDHAM supporters must be asking themselves how their side performed at a level unacceptable even to an amateur team.

Rugby league is a simple game and, for a team to be successful, they must adhere to their game plan, boast a defence that does not make schoolboy errors, and have a work ethic with enthusiasm and discipline that will allow them to dominate the opposition.

However, the Roughyeds have failed to play to their potential for most of the season as four away defeats against their closest rivals – all without a bonus point – make for worrying reading.

York started on a wave of enthusiasm as Buckley crossed for a try under the posts after Hughes had been tackled short, only for Mick Nanyn to level matters when he somehow collected Neil Roden’s kick to score.

The home side began to get well on top though, Ratcliffe capitalising on a mix-up to touch down, before Hughes scampered over.

Their lead was extended when another silly penalty ended with Paul March’s kick taking a lucky bounce off the post and enabling him to stroll over.

There was nothing lucky about the next try though when a break from Haberecht was followed by a smart pass to Lewis, who handed to the supporting March. Although he was tackled, quick hands from the restart saw Oakes score wide out.

Oldham’s indiscipline allowed Mitchell to kick a penalty and give York a 30-6 half-time lead, quickly extended thanks to a soft try for Hodgson.

The Roughyeds then began to exert some pressure which yielded a try for Phil Joseph before James Coyle’s half-break and pass put Ian Hodson under the sticks.

Coyle then made another break to score an excellent try, goaled by Nanyn to leave Oldham 34-24 down but in range of a bonus point.

They then committed the cardinal sin of missing a tackle, Massey sending Radcliffe over to end the scoring.