Oldham Roughyeds’ impressive league momentum came to a halt as they were beaten 46-18 by Doncaster at Club Doncaster Sports Village on Saturday.
Early pressure sets the tone
Doncaster applied pressure from the outset and struck first when Isaac Misky finished from close range after his side were awarded an early penalty. That opening try was quickly followed by a well-executed sequence that saw Bureta Faraimo crash over, putting the hosts 12-0 up inside the first quarter.
Oldham showed their resilience and answered through Jack Walker, powering over from a well-timed pass from Josh Drinkwater. Walker’s second try and a successful conversion by Morgan Smith brought Roughyeds back into the contest and briefly levelled the scores.
Doncaster regain control
The Dons did not let Oldham’s fight-back change the game. Edene Gebbie – a recurring threat for Oldham over recent encounters – broke the line and restored Doncaster’s lead. Doncaster continued to build on their advantage after half-time with Gebbie again finding space, before a long-range effort from Watson Boas extended the margin.
Oldham had opportunities, and a missed penalty by Connor Robinson at the end of the first half denied Doncaster an even larger cushion, but the hosts’ sustained intensity ultimately proved decisive.
Context and what it means
The defeat ends Oldham’s run of 16 consecutive league wins, a sequence that had been the club’s third-longest in its 150-year history. That unbeaten streak had provided a reminder of what a part-time club can achieve in a competitive division, and underlines how quickly fortunes can change in rugby league.
- Final score: Doncaster 46 – Oldham 18
- Oldham’s winning run: 16 league matches
- Key players mentioned: Isaac Misky, Bureta Faraimo, Jack Walker, Josh Drinkwater, Morgan Smith, Edene Gebbie, Watson Boas, Connor Robinson
For Oldham, the result will be an unwelcome reminder of the fragility of long runs in sport; the season has already contained shocks, such as the earlier 1895 Cup exit to Midlands Hurricanes, and maintaining consistency over a campaign is always difficult.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Final score | Doncaster 46 – Oldham 18 |
| Oldham unbeaten league run | 16 matches |
| Club history note | Run was third best in 150-year history |
Richard Horne’s side will now regroup and look to respond in their next fixture. For supporters, the run’s end will be disappointing, but the club’s achievements so far this season remain significant, particularly given the part-time status of the squad.
Match details such as try scorers and the flow of the game underline that while Oldham produced moments of their characteristic comeback spirit, Doncaster produced an intense and clinical performance that was the difference on the day.
