Kingstone Press League 1 Preview: Oldham v Barrow Raiders

Oldham were given a fright at Newcastle Thunder before coming through with the win.

Coach Scott Naylor said: “It was a very hard game. Newcastle had a few players back and it was probably the strongest team they’ve put out in weeks.

“They came out and had a real go at us and probably put us off our game a little bit. We made a lot of mistakes and felt under pressure but we defended our line really well and to come in at half-time 10-6 behind, was a good scoreline for us really.

“We knew if we fixed a few things up, had a bit more possession and field position we’d score points. We had to keep Newcastle out and that’s what we did.

“It’s up to us to keep winning games and if we do that then we’ll put ourselves in a position where we can’t be caught. We should finish in the top five but we’d like to finish in the top two now we’re so close. If we beat Barrow at the weekend we should finish in the top two.”

Barrow Raiders lost at Keighley Cougars by one point.

Coach Paul Crarey said: “We dominated the game for probably 76 minutes and were hard done to on a couple of calls. It was a great game of rugby, it had everything really; both sides went at it with real passion.

“We didn’t get the result but we needed a performance, especially this week going to Oldham who are the form team. We have beaten them so we know how to do it but I think it will be hard at their place.

“The lads are up for it and will be ready to go. We need to go there and put in a performance again and get the result.”