Lancashire Lynx 18 Oldham 18

LANCASHIRE Lynx and Oldham fought out thrilling 18-18 draw at Lightfoot Lane in the first round of the new Red Rose Trophy.

Lynx had to survive a fierce onslaught from Oldham in the last 15 minutes to hang on for a point.

Straight from the kick off both sets of defences were on top.

Oldham scored in the 16th minute with a Chris Wilkinson penalty.

Lynx went ahead five minutes later with their first real attack, Steve Ashcroft dummying the Oldham defence to touch down.

Lynx then edged further ahead in the 27th minute with a Phil Jones penalty when Oldham were penalised for holding down.

This lead was short-lived when poor defence by Lynx allowed Darren Robinson to scramble over the line on the half hour.

Lynx hit back again and were in front four minutes from the break with a try from man of the match Phil Jones after a bomb from Chris Kelly had bounced over the Oldham defence, Jones himself adding the conversion to give Lynx a 12-6 half time lead.

This lead was extended six minutes into the second half with a try from Neil Parsley after great play by Neil Maudsley and Andy Ruane had opened up the Oldham defence, Phil Jones added the conversion.

Just when it seemed that Lynx were safe, Oldham hit back.

In the 58th minute Steve Wilde scored a try and Chris Wilkinson added the conversion.

Four minutes later Neil Flanagan touch downed and Wilkinson levelled the scores.

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