Warriors end 2023 with one of club’s biggest scalps

The Charnwood Warriors squad ahead of their clash with Oldham.

CHARNWOOD WARRIORS 62 OLDHAM 43 National Premier League One

CHARNWOOD Rutland Warriors end 2023 with one of the biggest wins in the club’s history asx they defeated 11 time NPL champions Oldham.

Warriors entered the game on the back of two great wins, and before the match were given a key message to believe and have confidence and they certainly did.

The match started as expected closely contested, with England star

Reed playing for Oldham, Warriors defence would have a tough 60 minutes ahead.

Young Warrior Tooms stuck to task to make Reed work for every ball, whilst Hughes and Thacker settled in Warriors shooting circle as the Warriors took an early 13-12 lead.

No changes for Warriors at quarter time, the defence of McGlynn, Tooms and Brown worked tirelessly and pressure Oldham, Warriors were winning ball with van Neirop keeping the middle controlled as Warriors pulled away at half time to lead 30-23.

Warriors had to keep pushing,

Oldham would not give up and increased their physical game and willingness to win ball. Liversiedge was not phased for the Warriors and increased the speed in the Warriors attack.

Part way through Brock-Taylor entered the match to add some fresh legs to the middle and Allen replaced Tooms who had given everything to keep Reed quiet. The changes helped Warriors keep the lead at 46-34.

The final quarter saw Warriors came out firing in the first seven minutes with interceptions across the defensive unit and smart play from Thacker and Liversiedge. For the final seven minutes young superstar Smith entered the match with Hughes coming off and experienced player Thomas coming on resting McGlynn.

The mixture of youth and experienced brought the final spark to the squad with Warriors running away with the match taking the win 62-43.

A huge moment for the club, who have had huge respect for Oldham and aspired to compete against them for 18 years. The Player of the match was Thacker.

Warriors end 2023 third in the league and 2024 is set to be competitive with only two wins separating the top and bottom half of the table.