Oldham's Invincibles reunite, 25 years on

A reunion of Oldham Rugby League Club's 'Invincibles' brought together legends from all over the North West, and even as far as Australia.

The club's 'A' team (second team) went unbeaten during a memorable season in 1993/94 - picking up four trophies along the way. 

First-team stars from that era turned up at a club in Uppermill to join a reunion bash that started at 1.30pm and went on into the night.

It was organised by Invincibles coach and ex-first-team player Shane Tupaea and his wife Karen Scott, who was club secretary back then - the club's youngest when appointed at the age of 21.

Shane's team topped the Youngers Alliance second division with 21 wins and a draw from 22 games, scoring 844 points and conceding only 287.

They also went unbeaten in the Alliance Challenge Cup, the Alliance second division Cup and the Lancashire Shield, picking up four trophies in total.

And the man who lifted those trophies 25 years ago, Aussie captain Ben Olsen, flew all the way from The Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane, to meet up with his old mates and share a few yarns of past times - and former glories.

"They were fantastic times at Oldham -- the best of my career," said the former London Broncos forward.

Coach Tupaea added: "We were all mates on and off the field. That was one of the secrets. We'd work hard, get the job done and then go and have a beer. I'm blown away by the turnout. What a day and what memories!"

The big reunion was attended by team members, others who started their careers in it that season and went on to the first team, and some who didn't play in it but were there to meet up with old friends - many of whom they hadn't seen for two decades.

Those present included Aidie Bell, David Bradbury, Craig Booth, David Chrimes, Mickey Edwards, who scored 30 tries in that dazzling Invincibles season, Alfi Gouldborne, Joe Graziano, Martin Holden, David Jones, Paddy Mitchell, Barrie McDermott, Paul Norman, Ben Olsen, Craig Richards, Ian Sherratt, David Stephenson, Geoff Munro, Damian Munro, Paul Round, Mark Meadows, Ian Bates, Richard Pachniuk, Richard Russell, Chris Joynt, Sean Tyrer, Craig Mort, Hugh Gumbs and John Watkins. 

Some went on to become club legends, like Paul Round, or even legends within the sport, like ex-St Helens captain Chris Joynt and Barrie McDermott, who is now famous nationally as a top Sky Sports pundit.

Barrie, who went on to star for Wigan, Leeds and Great Britain, said: "I'll never forget my early days at Oldham. When I was a kid at Waterhead all I wanted to do was play for my senior home-town club and I made it. Nobody can ever take away the great memories I have of those early days."

Main image:

In the front row of the picture (left to right) are David Stephenson, Craig Mort, Ian Sherratt, Mickey Edwards.

Seated (left to right): Richard Pachniuk, Barrie McDermott, Ian Bates, Paddy Mitchell, Sean Tyrer, David Bradbury and, far right, David Jones.

Former club secretary Karen Tupaea, who organised the bash with her husband Shane, is third row far left; Shane is back row (left) and captain Ben Olsen back row (fourth left).