Oldham RU get new campaign off to a flying start
Oldham RUFC started their new campaign with a convincing 29-5 victory over Orrell in the first round of the Alan Stone Lancashire Bowl at Manor Park. After a disappointing previous season with only four wins, the team showed significant improvement under new coaching, displaying structured play, strong defense, and effective set-pieces. Key players included Karl Shenton, who scored two tries and was named Man of the Match, and Alex Jobson who added conversions. The win provides confidence as they prepare for their first league fixture against Bury next weekend.
Oldham RUFC 29 Orrell 5
Karl Shenton’s two tries and a dominant forward display launched Oldham RUFC’s new season as they swept aside Orrell 29-5 in Saturday’s opening round of the Alan Stone Lancashire Bowl at Manor Park.
The home side, stung by last term’s four-win campaign, hit the field early for pre-season under coaches Jim Forster and Jack Sayle and the extra graft told from the first whistle, even after Orrell struck first through missed tackles in the fifth minute.
Quick-thinking back-row Karl Shenton pounced on a loose ball from a scrum to level, Alex Jobson converting, before skipper Jack Taylor peeled off a driven maul for 12-5. Robert Froggatt duplicated the tactic and, after the break, Dean McEwan burst over from close range. Three pinpoint 50-22 kicks by Tom Davies kept Orrell pinned and Shenton finished the scoring late on, Jobson’s second conversion sealing 29-5.
Man of the match Shenton’s brace capped a performance built on big hits from Ross Cooper, Paul Wardle and Josh Watson and strong carries by Josh Semple, Chris Shaw and McEwan, while debutant prop Carter West helped a rock-solid set-piece. Oldham now travel to Bury for their first league fixture next Saturday.
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