Oldham 1st XV 0 v 13 Bolton 1st XV

Oldham started the match in buoyant fashion, taking the game to their visitors through their strong ball carrying forwards, but through a mix of solid defence and offensive errors, none of the Oldham incursions resulted in points. This was to form the pattern of the first half where both teams traded attacks, with little penetration of either side's defence.

The only points of the half came through two penalties from Bolton fly half Mark Doherty. The other talking points being two Oldham yellow cards, one for preventing a quick tap penalty from Bolton scrum half Nick Lever and the other for ill discipline at a ruck.

Bolton should really have capitalised on their numerical advantage, but the match was defined by unforced errors from both teams.

The second half was marginally better, with Tony McClaughlin and Dave Ormes performing well in the Bolton pack, with Lever passing accurately from scrum half. The Bolton front five were beginning to assert some authority at scrum time, and with Captain Chris Cockton, stalwart Sam Hilton and powerhouse Ash Cooper in the front row, they barged over from a lineout for the only try of the match just after an hour. It was Hiltonr who eventually claimed the try, which proved to be the high point of a forgettable match.

Towards the end Oldham did push, but solid defence from Marcus O'Donohue stopped Oldham's forays down the flanks.

The Cherry and Whites can yet again take heart from a valuable away victory, which was achieved without playing particularly well. They will have to perform much better next week when they travel to Liverpool to face second placed St Edwards Old Boys, in what is a pivotal match at the top of the table.