Salford Red Devils forward Gavin Bennion was in action this weekend for dual-registration partners Oldham RLFC as the Roughyeds made it six consecutive wins in Betfred League One.
Bennion started at prop-forward in the dominant victory over fellow promotion hopefuls Doncaster RLFC with the win giving Oldham a two-point buffer in 3rd place above their opponents this weekend.
Oldham went into the break leading 16-0 after tries from Danny Langtree and Luke Hooley alongside four goals from Paul Crook. The hosts maintained control in the second half with Luke Nelmes, Lee Kershaw and Phil Joy all crossing after the break.
Bennion has now featured twice for the Roughyeds this season. Oldham travel to Coventry Bears in their next Betfred League One fixture on Sunday 10th June.
Tag: Oldham RLFC
Dual-Registration/Loan Watch | Daniel Murray in action for Oldham
Salford Red Devils prop-forward Daniel Murray featured this weekend for dual-registration partners Oldham RLFC in a 32-18 victory over Keighley Cougars at the Vestacare Stadium.
The Roughyeds raced into a 16-0 lead against the Cougars but the Yorkshiremen pulled it back to 16-14 heading into the interval. However, a dominant second half display saw Oldham run out comfortable winners.
Wakefield loanee Lee Kershaw scored twice alongside tries from Dave Eccleston, Kieran Gill and former Red Devil Liam Bent. Murray was in the thick of the action down the middle for Oldham.
Meanwhile, Gavin Bennion and Levy Nzoungou where both in action for Betfred Championship side Swinton Lions as they fell to a 18-12 defeat at the hands of Halifax RLFC.
Andy Thornley put Swinton in the lead early on before Chester Butler had put the hosts within two points. Marcus Webb’s 50th minute try furthered Swinton’s lead but late tries from Conor McGrath and a second from Steve Tyrer sealed the victory for Halifax. Tyrer had also begun the Halifax comeback midway through the second half.
Swinton Lions Head Coach and former Red Devil Stuart Littler said: “Levy [Nzoungou] is a handful. Him and Gav [Bennion] set the game and took us forward. He’s a big guy.”
Swinton welcome Toulouse Olympique next weekend with both Gavin Bennion and Levy Nzoungou available and you can watch this game completely free of charge with the Lions allowing free entry for any fans wishing to attend.
Dual-Reg/Loan Watch | NW Crusaders 2-30 Oldham RLFC
Levy Nzoungou featured for dual-registration partners Oldham RLFC as The Roughyeds built on their Challenge Cup heroics at Halifax by cruising to a 30-2 victory over North Wales Crusaders at the Queensway Stadium.
Danny Bridge and Joe Martin’s respective doubles alongside further scores from Zack McComb and Phil Joy ensured Scott Naylor’s side emerged as deserved winners on a comfortable afternoon in Wrexham.
Nzoungou was heavily involved throughout the contest but Oldham did have to come from behind as Crusaders full-back Tom Johnson capped his 150th appearance for the club with a 2nd minute penalty in front of the sticks.
Despite the setback, the visitors recovered and managed to turn the game on its head going into the interval as Zack McComb and Joe Martin both crossed over.
Oldham ran riot throughout the second period and scored 22 unanswered points as Danny Bridge and Martin both secured doubles before Phil Joy also touched down.
Roughyeds Head Coach and former Red Devil Scott Naylor said: “Our first-half performance was poor, but we regrouped at half-time and took control in the second-half.”
Elsewhere, it was a frustrating afternoon for Daniel Murray and loan club Halifax RLFC as Richard Marshall’s side fell to a disappointing 38-6 defeat at Toulouse Olympique.
Olympique winger Tony Maurel touched down twice, whilst Rhys Curran, Mark Kheirallah, Gavin Marguerite, Bastian Ader and Paul Marcon also crossed over to complete the rout – Kheirallah kicked five conversions to inflict further misery onto the visitors.
However, Halifax did claim a solitary try through hooker Brandon Moore before Steve Tyrer added the extras.
The result concludes a miserable week for ‘Fax as Marshall’s side crashed out of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup following their 27-6 defeat to Salford’s dual-reg partners Oldham at the MBi Shay last Tuesday.
Gavin Bennion appeared for Swinton Lions as their sluggish start to the Betfred Championship campaign continued with a heavy 64-18 home loss to London Broncos.
Despite taking an early lead through Elliott Caine, The Lions are now without a win from their first six fixtures as table toppers London cruised to victory at Heywood Road.
The Broncos ran in an astounding twelve tries as Alex Walker claimed a hat-trick, Kieron Dixon and James Cunningham earned a brace apiece, whilst Will Lovell, James Meadows, Lewis Bienek, Ben Hellewell and Tom Spencer also crossed to ensure London ran out deserved winners.
Swinton did claim two further consolation efforts through Hayden Hansen and Chris Hankinson but were unable to take anything positive from the game as Josh Barlow’s straight red-card reflected a miserable afternoon for The Lions.
Despite the loss, Swinton Head Coach and former Salford centre Stuart Littler was pleased with Bennion’s contribution.
“Gavin Bennion ran hard all day,” said Littler.
“He was a handful and was probably one of the best forwards on the field, which saying that in a game when you concede 64 points is some achievement.
“He’s played big minutes again.”
Dual Reg/Loan Watch | Four Red Devils in action
Daniel Murray appeared for loan club Halifax RLFC in their emphatic 38-18 victory over Leigh Centurions at the MBI Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Shane Grady claimed a stunning hat-trick, Steve Tyrer earned a brace whilst Brandon Moore and Ben Heaton also crossed to secure consecutive Betfred Championship victories for the first time this season.
The hosts headed into the break with a 28-0 lead but Leigh responded with a double from Craig Hall alongside another score from Rhys Evans, although Fax prevailed to earn a crucial two points.
On-loan Red Devils man Murray, has impressed throughout his time in Yorkshire and Halifax Head Coach Richard Marshall recently revealed the former young forward is an integral part of his plans.
“I’ve been really pleased with all the lads who haven’t had much time to adapt. Daniel [Murray] was fantastic and showed his qualities. He’s a great addition,” said Marshall.
The win moves Halifax up to 6th in the table whilst Leigh now lie 9th, having won just once from six games.
Elsewhere, Gavin Bennion couldn’t inspire Swinton Lions to their first victory of the season at Featherstone Rovers in a game that was overshadowed by a second-half mass brawl.
Despite a slight resurgence from The Lions, Matt Sarsfield and George Tyson’s respective braces weren’t enough for Stuart Littler’s men to break their winless duck.
Featherstone’s Misi Taulapapa was sent-off whilst Swinton’s Robert Fairclough and Rhodri Lloyd were sin-binned. The hosts also had Tom Jones yellow carded as ugly scenes dampened an entertaining spectacle.
Swinton now lie joint bottom of the table, only above Sheffield Eagles on points difference. However, Littler’s side now have a welcomed distraction as they travel to in-form York City Knights in the 4th round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup this coming Sunday (Kick-Off: 3pm).
Ryan Lannon featured for dual-registration partners Oldham RLFC as The Roughyeds suffered a narrow home defeat to League 1 promotion-chasing rivals York City Knights.
Matt Reid earned a double whilst Danny Langtree and Ben West also crossed for the hosts, but tries from Matthew Marsh, Kieren Moss, James Donaldson and Joe Batchelor secured two vital points for the visitors.
Paul Crook’s second-half conversion miss proved costly as York ultimately triumphed thanks to Connor Robinson’s four successful goals.
Despite the result, former Salford centre and Oldham Head Coach Scott Naylor was delighted with his side’s attitude.
“Our attitude was first class,” said Naylor.
“The willingness to work was 100-per-cent as always.
“At the end of the day we lost because we hit a post with a conversion.
“I hope our fans realise how tough this division is going to be and I hope they stick with us like they did the last time we were in League 1.”
Oldham now travel to Halifax for a mouth-watering Challenge Cup tie this coming Sunday (3pm).
Finally, it was a miserable day for Levy Nzoungou and Whitehaven as the Cumbrians slumped to a 44-6 defeat at the hands of Doncaster.
James Tilley dived over from dummy half to claim a score for the visitors in the opening period, though the hooker was soon sin-binned – something which reflected Haven’s luck throughout the contest.
Whitehaven remain winless although they have an opportunity to kick-start their season as their attention also turns to the Cup as Haven host Championship side Dewsbury Rams. Kick-Off at the Recreation Ground is 3pm.
By Ryan Booth
Dual-Registration/Loan Watch | Swinton Lions 12-52 Toronto Wolfpack
Gavin Bennion featured for Swinton Lions as Toronto Wolfpack overhauled Stuart Littler’s side 52-12, in a ruthless nine try display at Heywood Road.
Tries from Mike Butt and Luke Waterworth were mere consolation efforts, as Paul Rowley’s Wolfpack ran out deserved winners on Sunday afternoon.
Jake Butler-Fleming, Ryan Brierley and Blake Wallace each claimed a brace apiece, whilst Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e, Andy Ackers and Jonny Pownall also crossed over for the Canadian outfit.
Bennion, who has been on loan at Swinton since early February, has impressed during his spell at Heywood Road and his performance in the clash with Toronto again earned the plaudits of Swinton boss Littler.
Former Salford Centre Littler said: “I thought Gav Bennion looked strong again on the ball.
“He’s challenging people and his footwork looks dangerous.” added Littler.
The defeat means Swinton remain winless after four fixtures and now lie bottom of the Betfred Championship table.
Elsewhere, Levy Nzoungou didn’t feature for Whitehaven. The Cumbrians’ tie at Hunslet was postponed due to a frozen pitch as ‘The Beast from the East’ blighted the majority of the weekend’s fixtures.
Dual-Registration partners Oldham also suffered a postponement, The Roughyeds’ meeting with Hemel Stags will be rearranged as both the pitch and surrounding areas at the Vestacare Stadium were deemed unsafe.
Gavin Bennion will be hopeful of appearing for Swinton in their next fixture as The Lions travel to Featherstone Rovers with the hope of securing their first victory of the campaign.
Levy Nzoungou will also be in contention of being included in Whitehaven’s match-day squad as Carl Forster’s side travel to Yorkshire to meet League 1 leaders Doncaster.
Finally, Oldham host York City Knights this coming Sunday, The Roughyeds head into the tie having not conceded a single point in 160 minutes of competitive Rugby this season.
By Ryan Booth
Dual-Reg & Loan Watch | Ryan Lannon returns from suspension
Ryan Lannon featured for dual-registration partners Oldham RLFC in their 14-0 triumph over Levy Nzoungou’s Whitehaven on the opening day of the Betfred League 1 season.
The Roughyeds earned a hard-fought victory in a sluggish encounter at the Recreation Ground, a solitary try from Matthew Wilkinson and five goals from Paul Crook were the ultimate difference between the two sides.
Lannon started the game for Oldham and impressed on his first appearance of the season, following his return from a three game suspension.
Nzoungou, who is currently on loan at Whitehaven, replaced Kris Coward in the opening period after starting amongst the interchanges, but the Frenchman was unable to inspire a Haven comeback as Oldham opened their campaign with a win.
Whitehaven Head Coach and former Salford man Carl Forster said: “We were far from good enough, completion and discipline killed us.
“When we got into vital positions we didn’t take our chances.
“With 16 in the squad as opposed to 17, it’s always going to be tough against a big Oldham pack.”
However there was no involvement for Salford winger Derrell Olpherts, the outside back was included in The Roughyeds’ 19 man squad for the trip to Cumbria, but wasn’t selected in Head Coach Scott Naylor’s starting lineup or interchanges.
Ryan Lannon could be in contention to start for a second successive week when Oldham host Featherstone Lions at the Vestacare Stadium in the third round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup on Sunday 25th February.
In addition, Levy Nzoungou may well feature in the same competition as Whitehaven look to bounce back from the defeat to Oldham when they host London Skolars.
Elsewhere in this week’s dual-reg and loan watch, Gavin Bennion was included in Stuart Littler’s starting lineup as Swinton Lions lost 28-48 to Batley Bulldogs in a competitive Betfred Championship clash at the The Salford Stadium.
The defeat means The Lions lie 11th in the table, but the Heywood Road based outfit have the chance to bounce back when they travel to Dewsbury Rams next Sunday.
Finally, Daniel Murray featured for Halifax during their clash with Toronto Wolfpack at The MBI Shay.
Two tries from Adam Higson alongside further scores from Greg Worthington and Nick Rawsthorne cancelled out Chester Butler’s first half effort for Fax as The Wolfpack ran out 20-6 winners.
Murray will be hopeful of featuring for Halifax when they travel to Rochdale Hornets in the next round of Championship fixtures.
By Ryan Booth
Dual-Reg watch – Oldham RLFC 52-6 Keighley Cougars
Oldham RLFC earned a dominant 52-6 victory over Keighley Cougars in their pre-season friendly this weekend and two Red Devils featured under the dual-registration partnership which was announced last week.
Levy Nzoungou and Gavin Bennion both played for Oldham in their victory this weekend with the French prop-forward Nzoungou crashing over for a try in his first appearance for the League One outfit.
Nzoungou was impressive from the outset as his offload put Dave Hewitt over for the first try before Zak McComb scored a second. Nzoungou’s powerful running set up Oldham’s third as Steve Nield went over on the back of some big yardage from the Red Devils prop.
Salford’s new signing continued to dominate as he powered his way over on the back of a barnstorming run with less than ten minutes of the first half remaining. Oldham didn’t relinquish control in the second half with Danny Rasool scoring twice as well as Phil Joy, Danny Bridge scoring before Hewitt notching his second with Bennion heavily involved.
Salford Red Devils set to team with Oldham as dual-registration partners
Salford Red Devils are delighted to confirm we will team up with local side Oldham RLFC as dual-registration partners for the 2018 season.
Salford Red Devils Head Coach, Ian Watson, said: “I’m happy we’ve got Oldham on board as our dual-registration partner for the 2018 season.
“Oldham are a great club and it will give some of our players a chance to play rugby when they aren’t in our squad which is key to keeping players fit and developing as athletes.
“Of course, Oldham is a lot closer for the majority of our lads which will make it easy for us to work with them and Scott Naylor is a brilliant coach who I’ve known for a long time and played with throughout my career and I’m looking forward to working with him this year.
Oldham coach, Scott Naylor, said: “I’m excited for several reasons about this dual-registration with one of my former clubs.
“To start with, we’re not far away from Salford and that’s got to be a help.
“Secondly, I’ve known Ian Watson for a long, long time. We played together. We go back years, and that’s important in itself. Ian Blease is also a good friend of mine.
“Myself and ‘Watto’ (Ian Watson) are in total agreement about what we both want out of this dual-reg agreement. It’s going to be an important part of our season in our quest to get promotion and get back into the Championship.
“Dual-reg didn’t really work for us last year, but I’m confident this link with Salford will make us a lot stronger and give us really good options, especially come the end of the season when we get to the play-offs.”
Salford Red Devils CEO, Ian Blease, said: “Obviously we’re delighted to secure a new dual-registration partnership with a fantastic local side in Oldham.
“I’ve known Chris Hamilton and Scott Naylor for some time now and it’s been great to work with him in sorting this dual-registration partnership out and I’m looking forward to the relationship growing between the two clubs.”
Oldham Chairman, Chris Hamilton, said: “We’ve been with Salford before. We know what they’re all about and they know what we’re all about.
“The Red Devils are under new ownership, so it’s a bright new era for them. We’ve already got a close association with Ian Watson (a former Oldham captain) and Ian Blease and hopefully that association will go from strength to strength.”
