Roughyeds grab vital win in fight to pull out drop zone
THE battle for Kingstone Press Championship survival is hotting up after what could prove to be hugely significant victories for both Swinton and Oldham during the bank holiday Monday action yesterday.
Roughyeds made the short trip to fierce rivals Rochdale buoyed by the previous week’s comeback draw against Batley – and knowing that a first win in four attempts against Hornets this year would drag the home side well into the relegation dogfight.
And the intent was clear to see from the start.
There were scores from Joe Burke, Luke Adamson and Adam Clay – plus a Luke Hooley penalty goal, helping Oldham to an 18-8 half-time lead, this despite tries from Chris Riley and Jake Eccleston.
In the second half, Ryan Maneely, Rob Massam and Joe Taira all crossed for Alan Kilshaw’s side, but a second four-pointer from Burke and a late Hooley touchdown secured the vital two points for Oldham.
This was their first win in seven matches.
But the result hasn’t moved Roughyeds clear of the relegation spots as Swinton secured a superb victory away to Dewsbury.
Chris Hankinson scored the first try of the game inside the opening five minutes, before scores from Ben White and Josh Barlow, as well as two Hankinson penalties, gave the Lions a 22-12 lead at the break.
Ilias Bergal added a try on the hour mark and another Hankinson penalty – plus a drop-goal from White – seemed to have made the game safe for Stuart Littler’s side, but the Rams rallied with two tries in the final five minutes.
However, Ben Austin’s score in the dying seconds secured a 35-28 win, which leaves both Swinton and Oldham just one point behind Rochdale.