Leigh Miners A 32 Oldham St Annes 14
In their last home game of the Interim Season Leigh Miners Rangers A took on a strong Oldham St. Anne’s side. This being the penultimate game of the season they need a win to make it almost impossible to lose the league champions position in the last game away against Rochdale Mayfield due to a point’s difference advantage.
With six of the squad having to step up against Thatto Heath for the first team the 3 days earlier, fatigue was a worry for the coaching staff but they got off to a flying start when a spiralling kick off by Sean Pendlebury was fumbled in the greasy conditions by the Oldham winger. From the resulting scrum the back line spread the ball right and Ryan Ravenscroft dived over in the corner. 4 – 0.
This wasn’t the walk over many may of thought as when the Oldham side did get possession they looked threatening and if it was not for some hard work in defence they could have had points on the board. Leigh Miners were defending too much in their own half and not managing to complete enough sets to build any pressure on the Oldham line. It took until the 27th minute before the Miners got over the try line after a stray pass was picked up by Martin Lewis who fed Sean Pendlebury to score. 10 – 0.
Miners where still not completing well enough and was having to defend their line too much but defended it well when required. Miners pushed back the Oldham defence from a clearing kick and forced the mistake. Going wide on the 2nd tackle Darryl Flannery found himself in possession 10 metres away from the Oldham line with no-where to go so he collected his deft chip to dive over in the corner. Scott Travis converting. 16-0.
With less than an minute to go Oldham eventually breached the Miners line after defending 3 repeat sets when their winger collected a chip to the right hand corner.
Half Time 16 – 4.
The second half resumed much like the first with both sides exchanging sets before substitute Greg Walker somehow managed to get the ball down under a lot of pressure after great approach play by Danny Trimble on 48 minutes. Oldham seemed to have a greater percentage of possession but massive defensive efforts by Danny Trimble, Dave Rowlands and Danny Galvin nullified their efforts. Next on the score sheet was Aaron Reeve who backed up a electrifying break by second row Shaun Marsh. Converted by Scott Travis 26 – 4.
With some fatigue setting in for the Miners players who where playing their second game in 72 hours Oldham were able to play some rugby as the defensive line began to tire. Repeat penalties penned the Miners side deep in their own half and Oldham were rewarded with a score 26-10. Again Aaron Reeve was on hand to cancel this score out when he showed his pace to streak clear of the Oldham defence to go over under the sticks for a great individual try. Converted by Scott Travis 32 – 10. In the dying minutes Miners couldn’t seem to get their hands on the ball and maybe knew they had done enough to win this game as Oldham got in for their last try before the referee blew for the end of the game.
Final Score 32 – 14.
On reflection it was testing and tough outing for the Miners A lads, who’s desire to defend their line got them a win against an Oldham St Anne’s team that is used to playing Conference rugby together. They will need to aim to improve their completion and execute their plays more effectively in their next game. Leigh Miners A have no game this week but the curtain comes down on this season with an away game against Rochdale Mayfield (Sat 19th November) where they will be aiming to finish unbeaten Champions of the National Conference Alliance League.
MOM 1 : Dave Rowlands
MOM 2 : Scott Travis
MOM 3 : Ryan Ravenscroft
1. S. Pendlebury
2. R. Ravenscroft
3. R. Monaghan
4. M. Lewis
5. D. Flannery
6. S. Travis
7. A. Reeve
8. D. Galvin
9. T. Farrimond
10. D. Trimble
11. M. Charles
12. S. Marsh
13. D. Rowlands (c)
14. C. Barlow
15. G. Gittens
16. G. Walker
17. J. Davies
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