Fleetwood RUFC 8 Oldham 31: Match report

Oldham missed a penalty attempt during an entertaining, if scrappy, first 10 minutes. Fleet scored the first points as Steve Richardson calmly nudged over a penalty.

Fleetwood lost two players to injury but were growing in confidence as man of the match Bowling broke the gain-line at regular intervals.

Oldham always looked threatening in attack but were thwarted by resolute defending. Fleet finally scored the first try as phase after phase of attack ended with Bowling crossing the whitewash. The goal was not added but the hosts led 8-0.

Oldham hit back almost immediately with a try and conversion cutting the gap to one points.

Fleet’s situation worsened when second row Brookfield was shown a yellow card for stamping at the ruck area.

Fleet also lost Stapleton to injury but the 14 men were determined in defence.

The bulky Jones came off the bench and drove forward well but basic handling errors were letting Fleet down.

Inside the home 22, Oldham made a break to score a second try. And missed tackles saw a further converted try follow as the visitors opened up a 19-8 led.

Newton and Dobbie were carrying the ball strongly but Oldham scored again when their huge winger chipped ahead to touch down.

Frustration crept in for Fleet, who had flanker Jordan Brocklehurst despatched to the bin for dissent.

Fleet held out valiantly until a double red card incident saw both sides reduced to 14. Oldham added one more converted try as their outside centre cut through the defence almost unopposed.