Widnes Vikings booked their place in the next round of the Betfred Championship playoffs, edging out Oldham 30-24 in a thriller at Boundary Park.
It was the Vikings who drew first blood in the tie, Ryan Ince shot through the line, handed off to Danny Langtree, who then handed off to Danny Richardson who strolled over for the first try of the afternoon.
After 23 minutes, the hosts responded, after earning themselves a scrum under the posts, Owen Farnworth bowled his way over from close range.
Ten minutes later, Allan Coleman’s side got their noses in-front once more, when Adam Lawton crashed over from close range.
With half time fast approaching, the Roughyed’s struck back, after a few penalties and sets on the Widnes line, Cole Geyer nudged his way over.
Oldham then went back to back, some nice hands in the middle of the field left space on the right edge for Ben Davies to cross over.
Both sides then made a lightning fast start to the second half, Lawton got himself on the end of a short pass, and bundled his way over for a second.
It was then the Vikings’ turn to go back-to-back, when Langtree wrestled his way over to score.
The home side then provided an instant response, a high kick was caught under the posts by Ted Chapewlhow who crossed to give Oldham the lead once-more.
With just ten minutes played in the second half, Widnes dusted themselves down and hit the front again, Jumah Sambou raced away up the left edge, handed off to Nathan Connell who strolled in under the posts.
After a miraculous start to the second period, both sides settled back into the arm wrestle, with seven minutes to go, Richardson kicked a penalty to install a six point buffer, and the Vikings defended resiliently to ensure victory at Boundary Park.
Match highlights
Full match replay (subscribers only)
Teams and scorers
Oldham RFLC: Jack Walker, Josh Simm, Tom Nisbet, Jake Bibby, Luke Forber, Morgan Smith, Josh Drinkwater, Ryan Lannon, Matty Widie, Owen Farnworth, Matty Ashurst, Brad Day, Adam Milner. Interchanges: Cole Geyer, Ted Chapelhow, Noah High, Ben Davies.
Tries: Chapelhow, Davies, Farnworth, Geyer
Goals: Smith (x4)
Widnes Vikings: Nathan Connell, Mike Butt, Jumah Sambou, Jack Owens, Ryan Ince, Danny Richardson, Tom Gilmore, Dan Murray, Jordan Johnstone, Jay Chapelhow, Sam Wilde, Danny Langtree, Nick Gregson. Interchanges: Matty Fozard, Max Banditt, Morgan McWhirter, Adam Lawton.
Tries: Richardson, Lawton (x2), Langtree, Connell
Goals: Richardson (x5)
