REPORT | Dons 28 Oldham RLFC 26

Jack Sanderson ran in four tries as the Dons staged a sensational comeback to beat Oldham and reach the third round of the Betfred Challenge Cup.

The Dons were 18-0 down at one stage of the game but showed tremendous character to roar back against their fellow League One outfit and triumph 28-26 to secure their place in Monday’s draw for the next round. 

Sanderson was the star man, scoring four of the five tries while former England international Brett Ferres ran in the other to get off the mark for the club. 

Oldham got off the mark with their first attack of the game as Ethan Ferry powered over the line, with Martyn Ridyard converting. 

Stuart Littler’s side continued to impose themselves on the game and Jordan Paga forced his way over from close range to extend their advantage. 

The Roughyeds ran in their third try on 13 minutes. From a penalty they showed smooth play and quick hands to find full back Greg McNally who sprinted in under the sticks. 

Ridyard added another two points with a penalty in front of the sticks to put Oldham 18-0 up. 

But the Dons refused to let the tie slip away from them and showed real determination in creating a period of sustained pressure of their own. Sanderson powered over from close range to reduce the deficit while Connor Robinson converted to further chip away. 

Winger Sanderson added a second try on the stroke of half time and Robinson successfully kicked to ensure a 20-12 scoreline to the visitors at the break. 

The balance in the game had firmly shifted and the Dons were in control during the second half. 

But that came after Oldham had reaffirmed their lead with Harvey Makin running in and Ridyard kicking his fifth goal of the afternoon. 

That would be the visitors’ last scoring contribution however. 

Quick hands put Sanderson in space on 53 minutes to complete his hat trick, with Robinson again converting. 

The pressure on the Oldham line increased and the ball was worked into Ferres to score, while Robinson converted to cut the margin to two points with 16 minutes left on the clock. 

Oldham looked to be holding on as the clock ticked down but there was more to come from the Dons, and in the nick of time. After forcing a drop out from under the Oldham sticks, a fine run from Ben Johnston took the Dons forward and Sanderson dived over for his fourth try of the game to secure the win.