ROUGHYEDS boss Sean Long praised Oldham’s defensive efforts in the 42-0 victory over Cornwall, which saw them strengthen their position at the top of the table going into the Keighley game, writes Kasey Smith.

Despite the large scoreline, it was not all plain sailing for Oldham who were put to the test in the first fifteen minutes with Cornwall going close.

The Choughs had plenty of chances but Roughyeds’ would not budge as they kept Cornwall at bay.

“It wasn’t a perfect performance,” admitted Long. “Sometimes you’ve got to win ugly, but full credit to Cornwall because they hung in there.

“We didn’t play great and Cornwall had a dig and tried to get under our skin a little bit.

“I felt if we had stayed in the grind a bit better, we would have put more points on them.

“What we are hanging our hats on this year is how hard we work for each other. We keep turning up in defence and are really good at the stuff that takes no talent.

“If we keep doing that for one another, we will win big games – I’m more happy with the zero than winning by 42 points.”

Long was also impressed with his side’s second half showing which saw them score six tries, compared to just three in the first forty – something he believes may be an advantage against promotion rivals.

“I think we’re a second half team,” he said. “Our lads stick together and full credit to them for resetting at half-time to come out and play a decent brand of rugby.

“We seem to score a lot late on and that’s a testament to our fitness. We play to the eightieth minute and I think that may come into consideration when we play the likes of Keighley.”