Oldham 29 Hawcoat Park 29

HAWCOAT Park came within seconds of ending North Lancs/Cumbria leaders Oldham's unbeaten record as they produced a high-quality performance on the road.

Only a last-gasp penalty claimed a share of the spoils for the hosts, as the Maroon and Whites showed great spirit and ability in their play.

Hawcoat applied early pressure, with props Jason Priss and John Donnan taking the ball up well.

It looked as though they had made the perfect start when captain Danny White forced his way over, however, the referee spotted close-range crossing among the forwards and the try was disallowed.

Oldham lost their hooker, who went down in back play and had to be taken to hospital with a suspected heart issue, with the visitors wishing him a speedy recovery.

The hosts picked up the play better after the delay and, for 10 minutes, applied constant pressure with error-free phases. Only strong defence kept them at bay.

The back row of Will Mallinson, Mike Lightfoot and Jonny Burrows worked overtime, but eventually a gap was created for the home back-rower to touch down near the posts for a converted try.

Hawcoat responded and fly-half James Howden booted over a 35-metre penalty for 7-3.

Oldham had the wind advantage and were kicking well to pin Park back in their own half.

When a clearance kick missed touch near halfway, Oldham kept the ball live down the wing and, following good support play between forwards and backs, their centre finished off an excellent try for a 14-3 lead.

It was all Oldham, with their half-back pairing controlling play. While visiting skipper White was having a 10-minute rest following a yellow card, Oldham took advantage and scored another well-worked try, moving the ball wide for their winger to finish off. Another conversion made it 21-3.

As half-time approached, Hawcoat scored a vital try, earned by some strong play from the pack.

Hardworking hooker Adam Grainger did the ground work, and props Priss and Donnan battered away at the line before outstanding second-rower Ashley Mowat forced his way over. The conversion attempt just missed.

The early exchanges of the second half were even.

Oldham knew they had to work hard up front, while Scott Kaighan and Howden made good use of the wind.

The Maroon and Whites pack slowly got on top, with both the lineout and scrum going well against powerful opponents.

Replacements Ryan Milner and Andy Kent made an immediate impact, with young Milner making ground every time he touched the ball.

After 15 minutes, outstanding skipper White took it upon himself to score an individual try as he ran hard on to a crash ball 30 metres out to burst through. Howden converted for 21-15.

The Oldham backs always looked dangerous and a good training ground move involving fast hands and a run-around created space for their full-back to burst into the line and score out wide.

Soon after, Mowat showed his fitness to somehow cover in the corner and support Glenn Kaighan in stopping the Oldham winger scoring what appeared a certain try.

Hawcoat came back with an excellent try, as young scrum half Jack Shannon recycled the ball. A long pass from White reached the long-striding Mowat, and he drew the cover before passing inside for Scott Kaighan to score near the posts. Howden converted to make it 26-22.

With 10 minutes remaining, Park took the lead for the first time.

Centres Chris Burns and Grady Slater combined well, and Mallinson was the link before Scott Kaighan burst through to draw the cover and slip a pass to young winger Will Coles, who grabbed his maiden first-team try.

Howden booted over a touchline conversion for 29-26.

The last 10 minutes were frantic as Oldham stepped up their game and Hawcoat tried to run the clock down.

As full-time loomed, a penalty to the hosts 35 metres out was kicked between the posts to see them take the win.

Whilst disappointed with the result, Hawcoat produced a superb performance and will take confidence for the important home game against Aldwinians on Saturday.