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No final flourish

13/ 4/2005

A 11-8 DEFEAT against Stockport A saw Oldham miss out on lifting the Junior Flags final at Rochdale at the weekend.

Mick Moore's side put up a brave fight before succumbing to the Cheshire-based opponents who made history by winning to complete a second consecutive league and cup double, having already won the Men's North of England League Division Two crown.

Sixteen-year-old attacker Nick Watson scored a hat-trick for Oldham with Matt Linberg (two), Steve Green and veteran Jonty Smith also on target.

Their efforts proved in vain though as Stockport led throughout 4-2, 7-3 and 10-6 thanks to doubles from Chris Livesey, Simon McGuigan, Craig Murphy and Neil Trennell, plus a goal apiece for Joe Singleton, Steve Howe and Charlie Cox.

A disappointed Moore said: "The best team won on the day.

"I'm very proud of our lads though, they played their hearts out."

Victorious captain Sean Ward said: "It's been a great season to retain both titles. There's a lot of pride in the team - and we've been reaping the benefits."

Ward is hopeful Stockport can win the double next year and make it three seasons on the trot for league and cup honours.

"There's certainly no reason why we can't do it again next year," added Ward.

"This is our time to dominate the North of England League. We've got great strength in depth thanks to our junior set-up and strong under-19s team."