Lancashire Lynx 32 Oldham 16 WHO says the influx of foreign players doesn't help our game?

This match was certainly helped into a classic by Lancashire Lynx's New Zealand trio who were strong, fast and most importantly clever with the ball.

Full-back Doc Murray, playing his first game since joining Lynx full time, ran the line superbly and defended his backs well.

His fellow countrymen Jason Pekepo and PJ Soloman were fantastic in defence as they kept out Oldham's strong forwards.

Pekepo and Soloman were also excellent in attack as they took advantage of a number of Oldham errors.

By half-time an ambitious Oldham side were shattered as the home team led 22-0.

Tries from Murray, Soloman, Steve Gee and Phil Jones had given Lynx breathing space at the break.

However just as Lynx looked to be cruising, Oldham responded well with a good try from the enthusiastic Mickey Edwards.

Two more Oldham tries followed as anxious faces flocked around the Lightfoot Lane ground. Another penalty from Chris Wilkinson brought the score to 22-16 with 15 minutes left.

The home crowd inspired Lynx to find a second wind as new signing David Jones broke through a tackle to send his new fans wild.

Lynx had stretched their lead to 28-16 and before the fans had stopped cheering another try from scrum-half Chris Kelly rounded off Lynx's ninth win of the season.

It was fantastic entertainment for the crowd who had decided to travel to Fulwood rather than the pre-season friendly at Deepdale.

Manager Kevin Tamati said: "It was a very good result for us. Oldham are a strong side and will probably be promoted with us, so it was a fantastic win."

Lancashire Lynx, who are one point clear with two games in hand, now face a trip to Barrow this Sunday where hooker John Donno will return.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.