Tidy little ground. Two small seated stands on either side between the 20m lines. Partial covering on both ends terrace. It's about three quarters of the way up a proper hill and has a noticeable slope (nowt like Batley though). There was a bitter breeze blowing down the slope. Pitch was very level, plenty of grass and held up well, though was clearly sodden. We started up hill in the first half so we had the benefit of the shelter of the stand. Oldham are well organised, played their sets and chose good options. Pinned us down and won repeated sets. However our defence was solid and they probably lack penetration. Better teams might have scored 3 or 4 tries. We did get up there half a few times. If we were lying on it was as a result of dominant tackles. Ackers did well after a strong run from Slyney. Stapleton bombed at least one. Second half, changed ends and at the bottom of the hill we got the joy of the bitter wind and drizzle blowing in.
Broncos controlled it better in the second half. But Oldham kept to their game plan for most of it and put in good kicks at the end of their sets. We were probably making the better yards towards the end of the first half when we did hold onto and with the benefit of the slope it improved. Barthau kicked what most, apart from the ref and linesman, thought was a 40/20. Think fitness, the slope and some better play told in the end.
Oh and given that Oldham's home kit this year is meant to be red and white hoops, they played in an all red shirt.
