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Madness of Mitchell

25/ 2/2004

Rugby Union
Aspull 21
Oldham RUFC 20

A MOMENT of indiscipline from player-coach Jimmy Mitchell condemned Oldham to their fifth consecutive defeat.

Mitchell highlighted something he felt the match referee had missed and conceded a simple penalty that Mark Anglesea converted to put Aspull 21-13 up.

And, although Oldham pushed back hard and got within a point of their hosts through Marlon Miller's last-gasp try, there was no time left to prevent another defeat.

Oldham were without several first-choice backs with Martin Fitton, Zandar Classan and Gary Tuson injured, Pete Scrivens suspended and Chris Jones on holiday.

But their forwards did a sterling job and did not deserve to lose with Dave Worrall and Walter Shumba outstanding.

Brian Quinlan's penalty had given Oldham a third-minute lead before Angelsea drew Aspull level with one of his own.

Tries from Mark Robey and winger Mark Brown then gave Aspull a 13-6 lead early in the second half with Oldham's best response another Quinlan penalty.

Shumba made it 13-13 going over next to the posts for a converted try after a break down the blindside right by Worrall.

But Aspull's Robey then scored his second try in controversial circumstances, obstructing defenders by running at the referee.

Then came Mitchell's exchange with the officials that saw the lead stretched beyond his side's grasp.