Manager Sean Long hailed his Roughyeds side’s defensive efforts once again in the aftermath of a 32-6 victory over North Wales.

Oldham came under huge pressure in the opening quarter of last Sunday’s game with Crusaders even having a try ruled out for an incorrect play-the-ball.

But Roughyeds stood firm against what was a massive pack, led by player-coach Carl Forster, and rallied to gain a 16-0 advantage at half time.

“We really focused on starting well, but we didn’t get what we were looking for,” admitted Long.

“Our defence, though, was outstanding. We probably only had about three sets of six in the first 25 minutes - they were just peppering our line, but we managed to keep turning them away.

“As soon as we got some territory, and we were at the other end of the field, we ended up with six points. So there’s a lot of improvements we need to make going into Keighley, but I can’t fault the lads.

“It’s mad how we’ve put ourselves under the pump that much. I said to them at half time, ‘do you enjoy tackling?’

“It was a tough, tough game and we’ve got some sore bodies in there, but it has put us in good stead for the weekend.”

Long started with a much-changed team with Elijah Taylor at hooker, Matty Wildie in the halves and Craig Kopczak at loose-forward. After the Crusaders onslaught, the Roughyeds boss brought Bailey Aldridge off the bench and shuffled the decks, with Aldridge operating at hooker.

“Bailey was outstanding,” added Long. “We had to make that change because we were doing so much defending. I thought we needed some fresh blood, and Bailey loves it when we start running downhill. He can shoot out from that nine position and he did really well - not just going forward, but defensively as well.”