Rochdale Hornets 25 - 30 Oldham Roughyeds

Three tries in 17 stunning minutes early in the second half carried Oldham Roughyeds to victory over Rochdale Hornets at Spotland last night.

Premier Sports viewers were treated to a game that had it all — nine tries, exciting movement, brutal defence, fighting, yellow cards - and a late Hornets fightback that had Roughyeds fans checking their watch every few seconds.

Sam Gee’s 40-20 kick gave Oldham their first foothold on Hornets territory and it led to the opening try by skipper Lewis Palfrey, who collected Mark Hobson’s final pass to crash over.

Hornets hit back after Foster smashed through the Oldham middle before passing to Yates to score.
Crook converted.

Hornets had a try disallowed for a forward pass and Rauri McGoof left the field concussed.

Hornets were dominating at this stage but Oldham stood firm until the "Bolt from Kirkholt" dived in under the posts and Crook converted to give Hornets the lead.

Below their best in the first half, Roughyeds often coughed up possession, but they levelled at 12-12 when Chris Baines knocked-on to give the visitors scrum possession.

On the stroke of half time Crook slotted over a drop goal to restore Hornets lead going into the break.

Half time: Rochdale Hornets 13 - 12 Oldham Roughyeds

Hard-running Michael Ward, inspirational off the bench, surged towards the Hornets posts and, when held just short, offloaded a great ball to Liam Gilchrist, who touched down.

Oldham’s pack-inspired revival continued in true Roughyeds’ fashion early in the second half.

Gilchrist, Ward and Liam Thompson were in full flow while Adam Files capitalised with telling breaks from dummy half.

As the momentum switched dramatically Oldham’s way, Thompson, Danny Langtree and new boy Chris Clarke scored tries which Palfrey converted to push the visitors into a 30-13 lead.

Hornets weren’t finished, and by shipping the ball right at every opportunity they created space to score twice out wide in the space of three minutes. Gaz Langley and Danny Davies going over and Crook landing two beautiful conversions off the touchline to cut Oldham’s lead to 25-30. 

It was then, under heavy fire, that Oldham regrouped, rolled up their sleeves and produced a magnificent defensive effort to keep Hornets out.