HAYDOCK'S fairytale Challenge Cup run is over, but not before giving their professional Oldham hosts an almighty early scare.

The Yickers, the only amateur club left in the comp, led the Championship outfit 8-0 after rocking the Roughyeds with two unconverted tries.

But eventually, on a glue pot of a pitch, Oldham's fitness and a well executed kicking game saw them get on top, winning 40-12.

But Haydock's heads never fell and they continued to make their tackles and, on the occasions when they had good ball sought to be inventive.


Haydock opened the scoring when a smart piece of footwork and power saw Jordan Gibson go over from close range to delight the travelling hordes packed behind the goal.

And the Yicker army were sent into raptures minutes later when Haydock doubled the lead.

The big defensive effort forced the ball free and from the subsequent restart Chris Smith's men showed that it is still possible to put on moves from the scrum, with Dean Dollin racing over on the flank.

Both conversions were missed - and after a bright early effort Oldham began to wear down the visitors with repeat sets and penalties draining the tank.

Tries from Richard Lepori and an unstoppable Michael Ward put the hosts ahead, and with Gibson in the sin-bin the Roughyeds made their numerical advantage tell on the scoreboard with George Tyson crossing.

The Roughyeds racked up second half tries with Lepori's second and efforts Greg Burke, Keiron Gill and Adam Clay bringing up 40 points.

But spirited Haydock would not throw the towel in and were rewarded with a Michael Sexton try just before the end.

The Yickers received a great ovation from their hosts and the travelling army of fans at the end having done themselves, their distinctive part of the borough and amateur rugby league in general proud.