MAKE no mistake, Hornets were well beaten by Oldham Roughyeds in the National League Two final eliminator at Boundary Park on Sunday.

But with the Spotland outfit'’s season now over there was cause for celebration rather than a wake. Darren Shaw’s men had exceeded all expectations in reaching this stage of the competition, and at half time a shock win looked on the cards.

In the second half Hornets were starved of possession by a clinical Oldham performance, and despite showing great character and commitment once again the pressure finally told. The margin of victory, though, flattered the home team.

Hornets’ fans can look back with pride on the later stages of the season during which all the players have given their all for the club, and it’s reassuring to know many of these will form the nucleus of the squad for next season. The future looks promising.

There can be no doubt the visitors suffered from the absence of Chris Giles, Sam Butterworth and Wayne Corcoran, all of whom are match winners in their own right. That’s not to say those who stood in let the side down, with Paul Alcock and surprise selection - player coach Paul Anderson - playing their part.

Hornets started brightly and in the third minute a fluent passing move created space for Eric Andrews on the outside, but he was judged to have put a foot in touch as he raced clear.

One minute later a careless high tackle by Andrew Wallace on Adam Robinson prompted a coming together of the forwards. The outcome was a yellow card for Wallace and two points for Oldham, Mick Nanyn slotting over the penalty.

Three minutes later Hornets’ fans probably knew it wasn’t to be their day as Oldham’s first try came from a pass that would have been more at home on a basketball court - it was so far forward. Richard Mervill was the scorer, and Nanyn added the extras.

Oldham should have increased their lead when Danny Halliwell broke through on the right, but with the try-line begging Matty Brooks spilled his pass.

Hornets hit back when Paul Rolls and Martin Ainscough sliced through the defensive line. Ainscough was hauled down on the 22 but an infringement at the play the ball saw Carl Sneyd accept the gift of two points.

The joy was short lived as a penalty gave Oldham field position. They took full advantage when James Coyle’s perfectly weighted kick was pouched by Gareth Langley who dived in to score.

It was all Oldham at this stage, but Hornets’ skipper Ian Sinfield rallied his troops. Jonathan Muir pounded forward and offloaded to Anderson who was forced into touch just short of the line.

The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute when the impressive Mark Brocklehurst made a delightful run deep into Oldham territory. A quick play the ball followed and Janan Billings sent Paul Alcock crashing in for a try. Sneyd tagged on the two.

The home crowd was stunned when Andrews was held up in goal. and from the restart Billings caught the defence napping, selling an outrageous dummy as he nipped in for a trademark try. Sneyd’s touchline conversion gave Hornets a 14-12 interval lead.

After the break Hornets needed to keep their discipline, play good basic rugby league, and respect possession.

But a loose kick went straight into the hands of Oldham fullback Paul O’Connor. Given time and space he didn’t need a second invitation as he surged 40 metres upfield.

To compound their error, Hornets held him down to concede a penalty, and on the last tackle it was deja vu as Langley again rose above Andrews to pluck Coyle’s kick from the air and score.

Oldham again pushed forward, and aided by another penalty they kept the ball alive superbly for former Hornet Tommy Goulden to force his way over out wide. Nanyn made it a six-pointer.

Hornets tried desperately to regain a foothold in the game and Leroy Rivett and Paul Rolls tested the Oldham defence, which held firm.

When Hornets knocked on close to their own line Coyle sneaked through a weary defence to touch down. Nanyn converted.

Oldham were now dominant, and as Hornets’ heroes ran out of steam they ran in two late tries through Daryl Cardiss and Goulden, Nanyn converting the first.

It was all over for Hornets but it was nice to see both teams generously applauded from the field by both sets of fans.

OLDHAM: O'Connor, Langley, St Hilaire, Nanyn, Cardiss, Roden, Coyle, Robinson, Brooks, Mervill, Goulden, Halliwell, Roberts. Subs (all used): Joseph, Menzies, Baines, Tamghart. Tries: Mervill (10), Langley (25,44), Goulden (47, 79), Coyle (60), Cardiss (74) Goals: Nanyn 5

HORNETS: Brocklehurst, Rivett, Sneyd, Anderson, Andrews, Ainscough, Rolls, Best, Wallace, Robinson, Muir, Samuels, Sinfield. Subs (all used): Alcock (36), Billings (39) Goals: Sneyd 3

Referee: Ben Thaler
Penalty count: 11-5
Half time: 12-14
Attendance: 1,365