Rochdale Swarm edge thriller against Oldham

The Rochdale Swarm made it one game each in what has now become the best of three series against local rivals Oldham.

The Swarm started the game well with Mark Thomas opening the scoring with his first score, quickly followed by fellow centre Adam Bates going in for the second try of the day. Thomas completed his hat trick in double quick time with two quick scores all converted by scrum half Scott Manock, to give the Swarm a 24-0 lead within the first quarter of an hour.

With such a commanding lead coach David Ramsbottom was able rotate the large Swarm squad and give all the players plenty of game time.

Oldham to their credit rallied well, ably lead by former Great Britain international Mick Worrall who marshaled the Oldham side as they slowly picked away at the Swarm lead.

As the half time whistle blew the score was 24-12 after Oldham had scored two converted tries.

Into the second half and the Swarm started well with Thomas again crossing the line, this time unconverted though, but once more the tenacious Oldham side came back scoring two converted tries and a drop goal to make it 28-25.

The Swarm seized back the initiative with the introduction of debutant Neil Connolly who split the otherwise solid Oldham defence with some great footwork and ran in from half way to give the Swarm a 32-25 lead with minutes remaining.

The Swarm then sensed victory at hand and increased the pressure on the Oldham line with first Maria Wynn going close on the left wing and then Matt Butler on the right.

The Swarm swept the ball back to the left before interplay between Scott Manock and Mark Wynn nearly resulted in a late Swarm score but the pass from Wynn was misdirected giving the Oldham winger an open run to the line, which he did despite the best efforts of Alan Osbaldestan, who had been easily the Swarms best defender.

The score stood at 32-31 after Oldham slotted over an easy conversion but a relieved  Swarm were thankful that it was the last kick of the match as the referee blew for full time. 

The Swarm side now prepare for their next fixture away to Halifax a week on Sunday.