ROUGHYEDS boss Sean Long praised his side’s defensive efforts after Oldham kept another clean sheet, writes Kasey Smith.

Oldham ran in 14 tries – their highest amount in a single game this season – and showed their willingness to not concede after preventing two Cornwall length-of-the-field tries.

“We had to work hard for it at times,” said Long. “I thought our scramble defence was outstanding.

“At times in the game, we weren’t perfect on the ball but we’ve got that mentality of, if we make a mistake, we will get the ball back.”

Long made a number of changes to the squad with Cian Tyrer, Logan Astley, Jumah Sambou all back in the side, and the Roughyeds boss was delighted with the way they took their opportunity.

“For the lads who came into the side, it was their chance to shine and I thought they were outstanding.

“They actually took us to another level which was great to see because it tells me everybody is buying into what we’re doing.

“It is not always fancy, but we work hard and it shows how together we are as a group.”

After Jordan Turner surpassed a career total of 150 tries scored, Long also paid tribute to the captain.

“I watched him play at Salford and got to play with him for a couple of years at Hull FC before I retired, and you could see what a talent he was then,” he said.

“When he went to Saints he went from strength to strength. He is an awesome player, and to have somebody in your team like JT it’s great.

“He’s a leader, a coach, and still gives his all. He’s an Oldham lad, born and bred and he deserves all the plaudits.”