Aspatria missed an opportunity to keep the pressure on St Benedict’s at the top of the North Lancs/Cumbria League as they were forced to settle for a 16-16 draw against Oldham.

Although Aspatria forfeited a winning position with the last kick of the game, on reflection, a draw was a fair result.

The Black Reds played the first half into the rain and up the slight slope at Oldham’s ground and were immediately put on the back foot as the home side took a 5-0 lead after 12 minutes with a maul.

Seven minutes later, Oldham were awarded a penalty in front of the sticks but elected to tap and go which ended with a handling error.

The ball was moved wide right from the 22 where Lee Tinnion charged up field.

Andrew Miller took the ball as Tinnion was tackled but was stopped on the line. Ross Barton, playing just his second game for the club, came up with the score and against the run of play the scores were level.

Aspatria found themselves behind again after Oldham opted to go for the sticks with a penalty and then scored their second try of the afternoon.

With the half in the last few minutes, Aspatria moved up field after a series of penalties.

The line-out was utilised to set up a catch and drive on the five metre line and Gary Hodgson finished the move as he darted over the line for a 13-10 half-time score in Oldham’s favour.

Within 10 minutes of the second half starting Oldham were reduced to 14 men after a yellow card and Jack Clegg brought Aspatria level with a penalty.

The Cumbrians took control of the game and took the lead for the first time on 65 minutes as Clegg kicked another penalty to put his side 16-13 ahead.

Aspatria came close to scoring on a number of occasions but Oldham held on.

The clock was now ticking down and the home side launched a last effort to get in range.

Aspatria missed opportunities to halt Oldham’s progress and some quick penalties saw the home side end up in the 22.

With time gone the referee signalled that Aspatria had conceded another penalty.

After some discussion, the home side opted for a penalty attempt five metres from the left touchline.

The kick split the posts and the spoils were shared as Oldham drew level.

Meanwhile, league leaders St Benedict’s opened up an eight-point gap over their nearest rivals Aspatria with a dominant 46-0 win over Whitehaven at Richmond Terrace.

Silloth also ‘nilled’ their opponents at the weekend as they picked up a 9-0 win over Hawcoat Park to leapfrog them in the table.

The Tigers have now opened up a 10-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone as they sit in ninth place.

Fixtures

Aspatria v Wigton, Bolton v Silloth