SUNDAY’s loss to Swinton was difficult to process, admitted Roughyeds boss Sean Long, writes Kasey Smith.

After the first quarter of the game, the Lions were 14-0 up having capitalised on some basic errors from Oldham, who were gifting Alan Kilshaw’s men points.

It was an uncharacteristic performance from what has been a rejuvenated Roughyeds side in 2024, having brushed aside several higher oppositions.

“It was a tough one to take, I think we came here expecting to win and we didn’t respect the ball at all,” Long admitted.

“We said all week how difficult it was going to be – Swinton are a top side who work hard for each other.

“We made far too many errors, but I thought we were in with a chance when we scored a try just before half-time, after having played our worst rugby league this season.

“We ripped in at the start of the second half, but the game got away from us and all the defending we had to do took its toll.”

As well as a bruising defeat, Long was dealt two more blows with Elijah Taylor and Craig Kopczak both suffering injuries.

Taylor suffered what appeared to be a hamstring injury, while Kopczak was forced off after injuring himself from a shoulder charge.

Both players, members of Oldham’s leadership group, have been key for the club so far this season.

“I think Elijah’s hamstring has gone – I don’t know how bad it is yet, we’ll have to assess it in the week,” explained Long.

“He’s a leader, he leads with his actions and his talks, so he will be a big miss for us for the next four to six weeks.

“We lost Kopy (Craig Kopczak), as well, with a shoulder injury so that’s two injuries there to our senior blokes who lead from the front.”