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[TBozz]

This was a must win game for both teams both wanting to stake a claim for a top of the table spot at the end of the season. Hornets looked shaky at the start with a fumble from the first kick of the game. Had we scored the quickest try in rugby league? A drop out under the posts was given as Oldham applied pressure from the very beginning.

Hornets quickly settled and in the first quarter both packs set about softening up each other. Hornets were forced into a second drop out under the posts and yet more pressure from the Roughyeds. On the back of a penalty Hornets forced their way up field and 20m out get a scrum. But great defence by the lads kept them out.

A third drop out under the posts tells how much pressure the lads were applying, but on the back of a superb pack effort, Martin Roden breaks from half, spins in the tackle and forces his way over. 4 - 0, Carl Forber converting 6 - 0. It looked like Hornets were going to reply with an interception, but Brocky was up to the task and in one on one put in a bone crunching tackle to stop the score. Lucas later came off his line and put in a man and ball tackle again to prevent Hornets from crossing the line. But Hornets gave away a couple of penalties and gave Oldham good field position down the slope. Following a number of good drives, Cloughy copied MR and scored a solo effort to extend the lead to 12 - 0, with an easy conversion for Forber.

Oldham were now in the driving seat after a tough first quarter, Rats putting in a relieving kick. The ball hits a Hornets player and the ever watchful Clarkey runs onto the ball, gathers it at speed and breaks down the left. Robbo, in support as ever, takes a superb pass, draws the defence and like all good forwards Clarkey backs up to take the return pass and score a most fitting try for such a courageous lad. The crowd gave him a deserved standing ovation. Forber just wide with the conversion. 16 - 0.HT

Oldham come out in determined mood, with Cloughy breaking, up the hill, Valu hitting the ball at pace and Carl Forber backing up, held up just short. It is now Oldham,s time to defend , and Hornets apply pressure with deft chips into the rear of the defensive line, but Brocky gathers on both occasions. Robbo, as ever takes up the ball, Clarkey in support, and the ball is moved wide. Luke Sutton grafting in the hot sun, is ably supported by Valu and the ball moves right. Lucas is in the centre and breaks up the hill with Foggy in support. Lucas draws the defence and Foggy hits the ball like a train from 20 out and scores an exceptional try. What a great prospect this lad is!!Good conversion by Forber 22 - 0.

Still the big hits are going in from both sides with a knock on by Oldham on halfway, Hornets penalised for crossing. Oldham were enjoying this and wanted to put the game to bed. Hornets were desperate to get the next score and at least work towards a bonus point. Hornets applied more pressure to the Oldham line and following the cries of "Keep em out Oldham!!!! " from the stand, they did just that. Oldham's turn to attack. Robbo up to halfway, with the irrepressable Elli in full support. Great yards! Boulsty, in great form this season, breaks and sprints up the middle, and it was that man Carl Forber who backed up superbly to take the pass and score another exemplary try. 28 - 0, following his own easy conversion. Penalties were flowing thick and fast at this point, but following a Boultsy break, Forber turns the ball inside to Ishy, who was having his best game and he scores to take the tally to 34 - 0, following an easy conversion.

In the heat, mistakes were going to occur, and following a knock on, on half way, Newton gathers and breaks, Roper in support and Hornets score a consolation try. 34 - 6. But Oldham had the last word. On the back of more excellent forward play Nooney, a great signing, passes to Lucas, who, hugging his wing, and with three defenders closing in on him, scores a great wingers try in the corner. Boy was he up for that!!!!

Terrific performance by all of the lads, but credit to the pack who were awesome today. Elli got MOM for his best showing this season, but in my opinion, Boultsy also deserves special mention for his contributions this season. Great win on the back of a pack display, that Hornets could not live with. Team spirit? Spot on. Well done to TB and all of the lads. Lets try and spread the word and see the crowd in excess of a 1,000. With a display like this, great value for money. One concern, Ishy had to leave the field clutching his hand. Looked in a great deal of pain.

Come on you Roughyeds!!!!!!!!

[oldham13]

Isherwood may of fractured his clavicle, that was the news coming out of the Oldham camp after the match.

[RIGGY]

Wayne English scored the Hornets try. Think Nigel must have had his view blocked.
Thought you played well.

Riggy