Oxford RL climbed to third in the table after holding on to beat Oldham 18-16 at Whitebank.

The narrow victory was particularly sweet for Oxford head coach Tony Benson, who was at Oldham last season along with several of his players.

Half-back Brett Robinson put the visitors ahead on eight minutes after collecting his own chip-kick to score, full back Jonny Leather converting.

Oxford continued to probe and could have gone further ahead through breaks by Alex Thompson and Shaun Robinson.

Oldham hit back with Adam Files burrowing his way over in the corner, but crucially Lewis Palfrey missed the conversion.

On 35 minutes, Oxford replacement Matty Hadden charged over from five yards, with Leather adding the extras to take a 12-4 half-time lead.

Oldham replied again through Danny Langtree after good work by Lewis Palfrey, who converted.

Andrew Hoggins, another replacement, touched down for his first try in Oxford colours after a superb kick through by Robinson.

Leather converted for an 18-10 lead.

Langtree got his second of the match for the home side, with Palfrey’s conversion setting up a tense last ten minutes, but Oxford held on.

Oxford: Leather, Onyango, Halliwell, Morris, S Robinson, Connick, B Robinson, Clarke, Clough, Ellison, A Thompson, Bentley, M Roden. Subs: Hadden, Osborn, Hoggins, Johnson.

Referee: C Sharrad.

Attendance: 602.