Ward claims a special try

MICHAEL Ward spoke of his “magic moment” after scoring an opportunist try in the dying seconds that gave Roughyeds reserves a 28-22 win at Widnes to stretch the winning streak of John Hough’s side to five matches.

The Oldham triumph also inflicted a first defeat on leaders Widnes, who led for most of the game but failed to shake off a never-say-die performance from the visitors.

As a thriller edged into its closing minutes the scores were locked up at 22-22 Ward, breaking quickly from the pack, got a foot to the ball and it bounced up kindly for him to gallop gleefully to the line, where he was mobbed by his team-mates. Jamie Dallimore kicked the goal.

“It was a magic moment,” said Ward. “I saw their fellow shape to kick and stuck out my foot. The next thing I knew the ball was in my hands and all I had to do was run to the line. It was fantastic.”

Vikings scored two first-half tries by Gore. Oldham’s only reply was a touchdown in the corner by centre Chris Headen, Dallimore adding a goal from the touchline.

Tom Connick went in for the second Roughyeds try, before Dallimore kicked his third goal for a 14-12 lead.

Johnny Youds slid over in the corner for Widnes, but Oldham replied when wing man Zak Cotton scored next.

Vikings crossed the Oldham line again in the 67th minute to lead 22-18 before Cotton’s second try and Ward’s match-winner.