Widnes edge Oldham in high-scoring play-off tie

Roughyeds fell to defeat against Widnes Vikings in the opening round of the play-offs at Boundary Park.

But thanks to their best league finish in nearly 30 years, Oldham have a second chance, with Alan Kilshaw’s side now set to face Midlands Hurricanes in a home eliminator next Sunday.

Roughyeds twice came from behind in a see-sawing first half before taking a two-score lead into the interval, but an unforced error on one of their first carries after the break sparked a chaotic ten-minute spell.

The Vikings scored three tries in a devastating blitz. Although Ted Chapelhow pulled one back for Oldham, the Roughyeds could not find another breakthrough, and Widnes scored again to book a trip to Newcastle.

It was Danny Richardson who opened the scoring for the visitors, who had enjoyed the better of the early exchanges after forcing a drop-out.

Oldham hit back through Owen Farnworth after Widnes twice spilled the ball attempting an intercept. The Roughyeds prop reacted quickest to the loose ball and powered over.

The introduction of former Roughyed Adam Lawton off the bench then made an immediate impact, with the towering forward proving impossible to stop as Widnes regained the lead just before the half-hour mark.

Oldham had been awarded a succession of set restarts and were camped on the Vikings’ line before finally finding a way through. Returning hooker Cole Geyer, recalled early from his loan spell with Huddersfield, powered his way over to bring the scores level once again.

A late Ben Davies offload sent Geyer darting through, and as Oldham shifted the ball left, Drinkwater found Davies back on his inside for the centre to power over for a second in quick succession.

But Widnes hit back just after half-time. Noah High spilled the ball deep in Oldham territory and the visitors made them pay, with Lawton grabbing his second.

Oldham were then penalised for ruck interference, handing Widnes another opportunity, and the Vikings struck again almost immediately, with another former Roughyed, Danny Langtree, crossing.

Despite that damaging spell, Oldham regrouped and regained the lead for a third time when Ted Chapelhow claimed and grounded Drinkwater’s high-hanging kick.

But the advantage was not long lasting. Former Oldham winger Jumah Sambou broke through down the right and found full-back Nathan Connell on his inside who finished the move to put Widnes back in front.

Roughyeds thought they had responded when Sambou fumbled deep inside his own territory and Josh Simm showed tremendous skill to score in the corner.

However, referee James Vella ruled a knock-on without consulting his touch judge, who – standing a metre away – appeared to have the best view of the incident.

Later, frustrated by the lack of a six-again call, Oldham were subsequently penalised for dissent which allowed Richardson to add the resulting goal and put the Vikings six points ahead.

Roughyeds continued to battle and forced another drop-out before Adam Milner was denied close to the line in front of the posts.

It wasn't to be for Oldham, who must now regroup quickly with Midlands Hurricanes awaiting in next Sunday's eliminator.