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2/ 3/2005

Oldham RUFC 12
Widnes 3

OLDHAM RUFC's third consecutive win hauled them out of North West Two's relegation zone with Brian Quinlan proving to be their hero against Widnes.

Spurred on by an ever-improving pack, Quinlan landed all Oldham's points, starting with a ninth-minute penalty at Manor Park.

Widnes levelled with a Steve Hussey drop goal on 32 minutes after Quinlan had spurned two long-range kicks but he soon found his range again.

Quinlan penalties either side of the interval gave Oldham a 9-3 lead and he then expertly added a fourth on 61 minutes before leaving the field with a head injury.

Oldham's Dave Kenney was then dismissed with just 15 minutes left to set up a tense finish.

He had been yellow carded for preventing the visitors from taking a quick penalty and then spoke out of turn to the referee.

But Oldham clung on for a vital win and now have every chance of avoiding the drop, starting with Saturday's tough trip to play third-placed team Penrith.