Browse Sections

• Oldham Athletic FC
• Oldham Roughyeds'
• Local football
• Local cricket

Crowther lame duck no more as Saints take final

30/ 3/2005

St Anne's 24
Saddleworth 10

MAN of the match Steve Crowther inspired Saints to victory in an entertaining Standard Cup Final.

Crowther, 27, erased the personal misery of being sidelined for almost three years with a badly broken leg by lifting the Ben Powell trophy for his individual display.

But Paddy Kirwan's brave young side - boasting seven under-18s players in the squad - led 10-6 at the interval before Crowther's introduction from the bench turned the game.

Neil Kirwan and Danny Corrigan had both crossed for Rangers in the opening half in reply to Gary Rafferty's opening try.

Saints then hit back to run in three unanswered second-half tries from Kevin Fitzpatrick, Chris Carter and a second for fullback Rafferty.

• SADDLEWORTH Rangers gave their relegation fight a real shot in the arm with their third win in four league games.

They convincingly beat Normanton Knights 40-20 after turning around 30-12 ahead at the break with tries from Michael Farrell, Jimmy Rogers, Emerson Jackman, Neil Kirwan and Paul Iberson.

Goalkicker Adam Kirwan was also in splendid form, converting all those and doing likewise for Farrell's second after the break.

Normanton hit back with tries for Paul Greaves and Mick Booth but, with Simon Parrish adding a final unconverted Rangers try, the result was never in doubt.

Saddleworth now lie just one point behind Huddersfield Sharks at the foot of the table - they host Sharks soon - and travel to Ovenden this weekend.