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Trap door still open

9/ 2/2005

Oldham 23
Bowdon 17

OLDHAM RUFC won for the first time since November 6 but remain in the North Two West drop zone.

Brian Quinlan landed a penalty and converted a try from outstanding centre Mark Powell to give them a 10-0 lead in the opening 20 minutes at Manor Park.

That lead was cut as Bowdon prop Nick Buckley crossed with Mark Kotze adding the extras before Quinlan landed another penalty to take Oldham in 13-7 ahead at the interval.

But things began to look bleak when Andy Oldfield then crossed for a try goaled by Kotze before Oldham rallied again.

First, Dave Worrall pounced over after a rolling maul saw them push Bowdon over their own line. And prop Rob Hurston then added a third try following a dropped ball in the visitors' defence.

Kotze dropped a goal to make for a grandstand finish but Oldham held out for what could yet prove a crucial victory.

And with fixtures against fellow strugglers Aspull (away), Blackburn and Widnes (both home) still to come, their fate remains in their own hands after this gritty performance.