OLDHAM crashed to their biggest defeat to stay firmly rooted at the bottom of National One. Oldham have now conceded 188 points in their five league games, and coach Gary Mercer admitted: "No excuses, we were never in it. We just capitulated and that hurts me most.

"Whitehaven are a big side and a good one, but we didn't even front them up.

"It was men against boys and I now need to make changes."

Oldham trailed 22-6 at the break to the league leaders, who always had far too much pace and power.

While lively Whitehaven romped away with 11 tries, the home side could only manage a consolation touchdown from Simon Svabic.

Tweet