Oldham produced a determined second-half performance to beat Barrow Raiders 28-16 at Boundary Park and extend an extraordinary league winning streak to 16 matches. The result came after a difficult opening 40 minutes in which the visitors enjoyed long spells of pressure in wet and windy conditions.
Half-time deficit turned into decisive comeback
The hosts trailed 12-4 at the interval despite opening the scoring through Ben O’Keefe. Barrow adapted better to the poor weather during the first half; their tactical kicking, led by Ryan Johnston, pinned Oldham inside their own half and forced three goal-line drop-outs.
Barrow’s pressure was reflected in tries from their forwards, including a powerful score from Tom Walker. A disputed grounding in the corner required referee Scott Mikalauskas to consult his touch judge before awarding another try to the Raiders.
Second-half response
Oldham reversed the momentum after the break. A high kick caused by Morgan Smith unsettled the visitors and led to a quick reply when Tom Nisbet finished in the corner. The Roughyeds then capitalised on a turnover — when Ted Chapelhow lost possession — and converted a penalty to draw level.
From that point Oldham pressed on and added further scores to secure a comfortable-looking final margin despite the earlier adversity.
- Final score: Oldham 28 – Barrow 16
- Half-time: Oldham 4 – Barrow 12
- Key moments: handling errors under kicking pressure, decisive second-half tries, a touch-judge consultation for a corner grounding
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| First half | Ben O’Keefe opens scoring for Oldham |
| First half | Barrow lead 12-4 after sustained pressure and tries including Tom Walker |
| Second half | Tom Nisbet scores following a high kick; Oldham levelise and then pull away |
| Full time | Oldham 28 – Barrow 16 |
The win continues a remarkable run for a largely part‑time Oldham squad and is likely to strengthen belief in the dressing room as the season reaches its crucial phase. Boundary Park’s supporters saw their side grind through testing conditions to claim an important victory that keeps them firmly in contention for a play-off push.
Coach selection, set-piece execution and discipline under a tactical kicking barrage were all tested; Oldham's ability to absorb pressure and then strike back will be central to how the remainder of their campaign unfolds. With fixtures coming thickly, maintaining that resilience at home will be vital.
Local supporters will be watching closely as the Roughyeds prepare for the next block of matches, hoping the team can sustain this remarkable form into August.
