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[TBozz]

On a bitterly cold day, and on an amazing playing surface, Swinton and Oldham produced a thoroughly entertaining game.

It was a day that brought together two teams who are hotly favoured to be taking the spoils at the end of the coming season in The Championship 1. But today Swinton showed just why they are one of the favourites, if not THE favourite to win the league outright with a display of handling, tackling and backing up that was at times breath taking.

It was a also a game that despite strange decisions and in some instances non-intervention by the officials, that produced rugby league of a standard that is the hallmark of everything that is good about Championship rugby league.In a tough first few minutes both teams tried to out muscle each other, and with big hits being the order of the day, it was Swinton who knocked on right on their 22m line. From the scrum Mick Diveney fed the ball to the right, Junior hit the line, and used all of his vast experience to put Brocky in the clear, and score a great try as he burst over the line. Mick Diveney slotted over a fine conversion from the touchline to give the lads a 0 - 6 pts lead.

But Swinton showed that with ball and with the abiltiy to spin the ball out wide, had Hawkyard and Doddy linking to send in the energetic Foxen for an excellent try. Doddy converted 6 - 6.
It was soon apparent that Swinton in possession would take some stopping with play makers in Watson, Hawkyard and Ainscough cutting big holes in the Oldham defence. Two minutes after the first score some good interplay saw Ainscough scythe over the line and extend the lead to 10 - 6. Both teams were guilty of giving away too many penalties. Again following more slick handling, the impressive Hawkyard scored a great try under the posts. Doddy didn't miss and the scoreline of 16 - 6 was looking omnious to say the least. Oldham needed to get some possession and eventually pressed the Swinton line, with Junior inspiring the lads after gathering a difficult kick and made an excellent 40m downfield. Following a confusing knock on, Oldham received the feed, and Ben Wood was held up just short of the line.

But Swinton showed the ability to strike from anywhere and Doddy was soon over the Oldham line, missing the conversion, to take the score to 20 - 6. Some sterling work by Sutty, followed by another set of possession and a penalty saw Oldham on the Swinton 22m line as Tom Wood-Hulme took up his first drive.

Doddy looked to be in the clear from one of numerous forward passes ignored when both teams played from left to right in relation to the main stand. But Gilly back tracked and stopped another potential score.

The start of the second half was a scrappy affair with knock ons and penalties a plenty. Oldham were guilty of not respecting the ball and Whitty gave possession away after the first tackle with an poor kick. Things started to get tasty as Tom Wood-Hulme took the ball up deep into the the Swinton 22 and knocks on. A skirmish followed that suggested things might get out of hand. Oldham attacked again inside the Swinton half and following good handling, we saw Ben Wood hit the gap wide out offloaded in the tackle. Rats put through a terrific kick for John Gillam to chase and as the kick bounced and bobbled, Gilly gathered to score a fine try out on the left. Mick was on target again and the score looked a more satifactory 20 - 12. Oldham needed to retain more possession, and were soon awarded a penalty for a high shot.

Oldham were soon back on the score sheet following good pressure down the middle and Gilly is on hand to again receive an excellent kick from Rats. 20 - 16.

Keeping possession away from Swinton was easier said than done, and again with superb handling the excellent Hawkyard scores to take the tally to 24 - 16, and Doddy missing again. But Oldham utilising a short, Union style re-start regained possession as the excellent Ben Wood soared up to take the ball and were soon pressing the Swinton line. A penalty for off side and excellent yards by Boultsy, Clarky, Ben Wodd set the platform for a great break down the right, and Brocky doing a show n go burst over the line. 24 - 20 and game on. Mick just shaved the post and missed the conversion.

But it was Swinton who finished the game in style, pressing the Oldham line and against stiff opposition, Doddy took a drop goal, 25 - 20 and ball back. It was a try by Doddy on 78 minutes that sealed the game as he received an off load at speed and gave Swinton a much deserved 29 - 20 lead. But for strong defence the Lions could have scored again and prevented the Roughyeds from gaining a bonus point.

An entertaining game in which Swinton thoroughly deserved their win. Their handling was slick and they have the ability to utlise the width of an excellent pitch. Oldham showed that when in possession, they have the craft to break a good defensive line and scored some excellent tries to deserve their bonus point. But both teams were guilty of poor discipline and giving the opposition repeat sets and cheap yards that almost certainly lead to points being conceded. Discipline should be a priority for the weeks ahead.

[RIGGY]

Nice report TBozz.
Good luck for the rest of the season see you again in about 5 weeks !


Riggy