31 March 1924

OLDHAM TOO CLEVER FOR FEATHERSTONE

SINGULAR ACCIDENT TO TOUCH JUDGE

Oldham played great football last evening at Featherstone before 4,000 spectators, in a postponed Rugby League match. It was necessary that Oldham should win if they were to keep their place in the first four, and there was no doubt as to their superiority from the first ten minutes onward. With the exception of Hall they had their cup-tie team, and they played a brilliant open game. Featherstone were their equal in the scrummages, and often got possession, but were completely outplayed by Brough, Hilton, and Sloman when the ball became loose.

Fifteen minutes from the start Hilton scored a great try which Brough converted. This was followed by a try from Haigh for Featherstone, the goal kick failing. Hesketh, who gave wonderful exhibition of scrum half play outwitted the opposition and scored Oldham's second try, Brough adding the goal points. At one time Featherstone were within two points of their opponents, Hirst scoring a good try, which James Denton converted. From this stage onward, however, Oldham were always on top, and they led at the interval by 11 points.

The second half was very keenly contested, Featherstone had most of the play territorially, but were very weak on the attack and particularly weak on defence. James Denton added penalty goal for them, but tries by Hilton and Brough, one of which was converted, gave Oldham 17 points lead. The margin flattered them, but they were undoubtedly the cleverer side. Sloman spoiled himself by reckless kicking, and he and Clements of Featherstone were sent off. There was an extraordinary incident in this half. Brough received the ball near the “25” and raced over three parts of the field, the referee awarding a try.  He then found out that Brough had not only stepped into touch, but had laid out the touch judge, who had to be carried off the field. The try was of course, disallowed.

Yorkshire Post 1 April 1914