Roughyeds overpower Barrow in Boundary Park shoot-out
Oldham Roughyeds secured a 44-30 victory over Barrow in the Betfred Championship, with new signings Ryan Brierley and Jack Ormondroyd scoring debut tries. The match was marked by a spirited performance from Barrow, but Oldham's attacking prowess, including two tries from Kieran Dixon, ensured the win. Despite defensive concerns, head coach Sean Long praised his team's resilience and offensive flair.
Oldham Roughyeds surged to a 44-30 victory over Barrow Raiders at Boundary Park, with debutants Ryan Brierley and Jack Ormondroyd both crossing the whitewash to help their new club tighten its grip on fourth place in the Betfred Championship.
Seven tries lit up a see-saw contest that celebrated Raiders boss Paul Crarey’s record 350th game in charge, yet it was Sean Long’s hosts who seized the initiative after falling behind to an early Ellis Robson effort. Kieran Dixon answered with a length-of-the-field special and Brierley dotted down after an Adam Milner break, Dixon’s conversions making it 12-6. Ryan Johnston replied from a scrum, but further scores from Mathieu Pons and Ben O’Keefe, plus a touchline conversion that crept inside the upright, sent Oldham in 22-12 ahead.
Lewis Baxter and a second for Dixon stretched the lead to 36-12 before Joe Bullock and Johnston struck twice in two minutes to keep Barrow alive. A Dixon penalty and Luke Broadbent’s corner finish set up a tense finale, only for Ormondroyd to blast through on a 20-metre charge that brought the Joe Royle Stand to its feet.
“We spoke about just getting the two points and getting back on track, so I’m pleased to do that, even though I’m not impressed about conceding 30,” Long said. “Barrow are a dangerous side and we got caught napping early, but the more we gave Ryan the ball he was pretty much on the end of every try. Jack’s contact was good and he scored a great try.”
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