Injury hit Dewsbury Moor lose ground on promotion rivalsfollowing defeat at St Annes

They took on Eastmoor when 20 of the Maroons squad were in Spain on a players stag party, while Moor were without eight first team regulars for last week’s trip to Oldham St Annes.

The task also got even harder when James Eatherley was injured in the warm up, leaving Moor with 16 players.

Oldham blew the visitors away with a point a minute in the first half which left Moor shell shocked and 38-0 down at the break.

The second half saw Moor’s stand in youngsters get to grips with the pace and managed to make a game of it.

Tries came from Max Vernon, George Croisdale and Jacob Flathers, who also added two goals, before Oldham scored the final try.

Moor head coach Allan Samme said: “It is frustrating, as we know with our first choice squad fit and available we can beat anyone as we have proved in games this year.

“We have medium term injuries. The young lads stepping in are doing us proud but its a big ask for them. Individually they are all capable but when you have to throw 10 in at once the inexperience shows.

“Hopefully we will have players back this week and stop the slide. I’m still confident we will turn it around and be up there at the end of the season.”

Moor now face three consecutive Friday night games, starting at Stanley Rangers this week, followed by two big local derbies against Shaw Cross and Dewsbury Celtic.

Celtic suffered a 44-16 defeat to Division Three high fliers West Bowling last SAturday.

Bowling were 30-6 up shortly after half-time after a Richard Lumb brace, a try and six goals for Harry Williams and touchdowns by Elliot Cousins, Ryan Patchett, Daniel Gregory and Chris Watson.

Pat Foulstone scored a try and kicked two goals for Celtic, while Dom Senior and Danny Crabtree also crossed.

Celtic are second-bottom but will look to bounce back when they entertain Barrow Island this Saturday (2.30pm).