Oldham RU defeated in league opener
Oldham RUFC's first XV lost their opening league match of the 2025/26 season 47-29 away to Bury RUFC. Despite a promising start with an early try from Robert Froggatt, defensive errors and communication breakdowns allowed Bury to build a commanding 40-12 halftime lead. Oldham showed resilience in the second half with tries from Marshall Yates, Chris Shaw, and Corey Kelly, but defensive issues ultimately cost them the game. Corey Kelly was named Man of the Match for his efforts in attack and defense.
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Oldham RUFC Defeated in League Opener
Published: 08 September 2025 | Reporter: Stuart Brennan
Oldham RUFC’s first XV travelled to Bury RUFC for the opening league game of the 2025/26 season and were beaten 47-29.
Following last week’s cup victory, Oldham aimed to build momentum — and the early signs were promising.
In the opening exchanges, Oldham defended with intent. Strong tackles from Jack Taylor, Karl Shenton, Paul Wardle, and Tom Davies applied pressure, rewarded when Robert Froggatt won a penalty at the ruck.
Oldham kicked to the corner, and from the lineout, a powerful maul drove deep into the Bury 22. Froggatt peeled off to score his first try of the afternoon.
Alex Jobson’s conversion drifted wide, but Oldham had the perfect start: 0-5.
From the restart, Bury forced Oldham to play from deep. A breakdown in communication between Lewis Ward and Corey Kelly, followed by a sliced clearance, gifted Bury possession. They finished clinically to take the lead: 7-5.
Bury grew into the game, exposing gaps in the Oldham defence. Three unanswered tries followed, stretching the score to 26-5.
Oldham lost Josh Watson to injury, replaced by Reece Blakeley.
To their credit, Oldham rallied. Strong carries and smart interplay took them into the Bury half. A well-worked maul allowed Froggatt to crash over for his second try. Jobson converted: 26-12.
But Bury responded with two more tries before halftime, taking a commanding 40-12 lead.
Second Half
Coaches Jim Forster and Jack Sayle urged a reset.
Oldham began brightly. Carries from Isaac Dobbs and Chris Shaw created momentum before Marshall Yates powered over under the posts. Jobson converted: 40-19.
A pinpoint 50:22 from Davies set up field position, and Shaw crossed for the bonus-point try. Jobson’s conversion missed: 40-24.
Bury capitalised on a defensive mismatch to score a breakaway try in the corner. Conversion extended the lead to 47-24.
Oldham had the final say. Crisp handling released Kelly, who weaved through defenders to finish. Conversion went astray.
Final Score: Bury 47-29 Oldham
Man of the Match: Corey Kelly - tireless in attack and defence.
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