The third part of this season's Oldham Odyssey wasn't good for those of a nervous disposition.

Oldham scored first after a couple of minutes, good approach play and a napping defence. Hornets grabbed the game by the scruff running in three quick-fire tries to take a 16-4 lead after 20 minutes, the pick of these coming from Paul Alcock on the end of some great handling, after Chris Spurr had bamboozled Oldham's dodgy fullback with a sublime show, go and step under the black dot.

Oldham continued to press, but strong committed defence withstood the pressure. Hornets closed the first half with another try to go in 20-4 up at half time.

Penalty early second half stretched the lead to 22-4. Balls started to go to ground, daft penalties and poor marking at acting half let Oldham back into the game. Led by the irrepressible Phil Joseph, they capitalised and scored three tries in rapid succession to level the scores at 22-all.

Hornets dug in and stemmed the tide. More good defence soaked up Oldham pressure, then Hornets hit Oldham with a double sucker punch in the closing ten minutes. First Chris Spurr backing himself up the outside to out-pace the Oldham wide men to score from 30 metres, then Chris Campbell showing good acceleration to blast in at the corner and seal the game.

A good all round performance - bar the third quarter, where the shape went a bit haywire and Hornets discipline walked a very fine line. But full credit to Bobbie's lads who pulled themselves together and worked hard to see off a decent Oldham side that looked a bit light on attitude and enthusiasm.

Hard to pick stand-out players for Hornets. Every week Paul Alcock looks like a very accomplished footballer, Martin Ainscough and Chris Hough bossed the half back play, Chris Spurr and Chris Campbell looked dangerous whenever they went forward and Wayne Corcoran and Jim Elston got through a ton of unglamourous graft.

Special mention though goes to Hornets Aademy's Carl Sneyd who made his first team debut at Full Back. Didn't put a foot wrong and an exciting prospect.