HAWCOAT Park dropped back into the North Lancashire/Cumbria League relegation places as both their result away to Oldham and others elsewhere went against them.
The Maroon and Whites suffered a 40-5 defeat, while Littleborough’s 25-10 win at home to Tarleton saw them go above Hawcoat on points difference.
The visitors had made a bright start to the match, but found their efforts repelled by some strong defence from Oldham in the opening 10 minutes.
Having seen out that period, the home side then took the lead thanks to a chip and chase from scrum-half Will Mellor, who kicked the ball over the top of the defence then gathered and sent his half-back partner over for a converted try.
Mellor then went from provider to scorer, finishing off from an Oldham line-out 30 metres from the line after dummying and darting through a gap for a try which was converted as well.
Rodney Odondi’s brave work in defence prevented the hosts from scoring a third before half time, but Oldham began to turn the screw when play resumed in difficult wet conditions thanks to their kicking game.
Constantly being turned around sapped Hawcoat’s energy, and Oldham ran in four more tries to secure the bonus point and make certain of victory.
Hawcoat did manage a consolation score though, as good work from the Sayle brothers, Lewis and Rory, set up hooker Adam Grainger to force his way over from close range – a reward for both his and the team’s efforts during the match.
The results mean Hawcoat and Littleborough are level on 24 points, with the Maroon and Whites facing a difficult re-arranged fixture at home to leaders De La Salle this Saturday.
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