Boro delight in derby double
LITTLEBOROUGH claimed bragging rights over their neighbours after picking up a narrow win at Oldham.
It means that Boro have done the double over their local rivals, after already beating them earlier in the season.
As usual, Littleborough started the match by soaking up continuous attacking pressure from the hosts, during which time Robert Chadwick was at the forefront with good defensive work.
This was followed by captain Andy Bairstow making good clearance kicks downfield and Josh Park carrying out good lineout work.
After approximately five minutes, Oldham broke away on the left wing to score the day’s first try, though there was no conversion.
From the next kick-off, Boro’s John Doherty put in a strong tackle on the opposition ball catcher but the home side followed that with a pass up to Boro’s full back, which was unusually badly fielded and the referee awarded a penalty to Oldham.
They took full advantage of the opportunity, converting to put them eight points ahead against the visitors.
Littleborough knew they had to hit back, and they managed to do just that when Nathan Ripley started the move when he received the ball on the right wing and ran into the Oldham half.
He then passed to Andy Bairstow, who eventually played in Ripley to cross the line for their first try of the afternoon. Andy Walton scored the conversion to reduce the deficit to one point.
That gave the away side momentum, and they were given the chance to go ahead when they were awarded a penalty after good work from Richard Taylor, but Walton couldn’t convert.
He made amends with another penalty a few moments later though, as he kicked through the posts to put his side in front for the first time in the match.
Player changes for Boro saw experienced Ben Irving come on to the field, accompanied by young Henry Ashworth.
The new faces nearly made an impact, as they played a part in the move that saw Matthew Goldthorpe go close to extending the lead.
Littleborough led 10-8 at the interval, and they were the better side at the start of the second half.
Their forwards were controlling the game with good play from Ted Chadwick and Stuart Bairstow and soon the referee awarded them another penalty, which was again converted by Walton.
Oldham hit straight back though as they broke down the right flank and scored a converted try to take the lead once again.
Boro went back on the attack as they tried to get back in front, and they nearly did just that when their pack drove the team forward, but they narrowly fell short of the line.
Littleborough did eventually retake the lead when they slotted yet another penalty through the posts, meaning they were now one point ahead. Boro then put some breathing space between themselves and Oldham when Walton added another penalty.
Boro held on to earn themselves an important win.
The man of the match for Littleborough was awarded to Ted Chadwick for his loose play work, his defensive play and his great ball work in the lineouts. It was a successful week for the Chadwicks, after his brother Robert won the award last week.