St Jude’s open age travelled away to play league leaders Oulton Raiders on Saturday and despite a creditable performance they came away with no points but still remain in the mix for promotion. Oulton started the game with fire and passion and Judes were hit with a very aggressive defence hitting in numbers and smashing every Judes attack, forwards Olumide Oladele, Luke Barrett, Gavin Rodden and Man of the Match Leon Harber were hit with a wall of blue every time they tried to bring the ball out and Oulton were pushing and bullying their way forward in energy sapping conditions , but to their awesome credit they held firm and gradually worked their way up field and it was Judes who struck first when hard working Prop Olumide Oladele forced a mistake from a Oulton attack when the ball was spilled and quick thinking Gavin Rodden put in a neat kick through for winger Joey Brady who did the rest, all be it a lucky bounce for the opening score left of the posts,Adam Lavin slotted over the two. This was quickly followed again from the restart with a Jude’s attack with the ever dangerous Gavin Rodden once again heavily involved when he broke free and fed full back Daz Ball who had options on either side of him in support, Adam Lavin was the choice for him to score wide out and Jude’s had a 10 nil lead .It seemed that Jude’s had the speed and players to cause problems out wide with every attack. But Oulton hit back, with a little help from Jude’s when it seemed that every mistake and indiscipline by Jude’s was punished with points and despite Judes early onslaught Oulton  gradually got back in the game.On 35 mins a Judes attack with Bevan, Fenney and Baz Rothwell came Good when Rothwell found Gavin Rodden who’s neat flick pass to the supporting winger Joey Brady came off and Brady scored wide out. But once again the hosts had the final say of the first half when from Jude’s indiscipline and the final play of the half they managed to score and draw level right on the final whistle 16 all at the break. The opening of the second half was were the game was lost for Judes as Oulton had a  15 min spell were they racked up 16 unanswered points to really rattle Judes. Leon Harber , Daz Ball ,Connor Parkinson, Oly Oladele , Luke Barrett and Gavin Rodden were still full of energy and were always available to make the hard yards against a Oulton side that was growing in confidence each minute . Mid way through the final quarter Rob Fenney found Rob Collier  who put in a cracking chip kick centre field for Baz Rothwell who’s speed and skill did the rest as he scored right by the posts, Collier goaled . Judes again we’re right back in the game especially when Colliers 40/20 set up great field position, but alas no points came from it. That was Judes only score of the second half and Oulton had the final say when once again from a Jude’s error,  was punished  and the final score of 42-22 to hosts was a tiny bit flattering.

Man of the Match…Leon Harber …Young Legend.