'We were smart and determined'

HAPPY MAN: Scott Naylor

A GREAT game won by a great try.

That was Scott Naylor's over-view of Oldham's 26-22 win against a strong, full-time Bradford Bulls outfit in a Bower Fold shoot-out that provided fans with gripping sporting entertainment and value for money.

Said the Oldham boss: "It was an outstanding performance by the players, from 1 to 17. It was similar to how we played against Featherstone and London Broncos and it showed us that when we play at that level we are good as anybody.

"The difference this time was that we got what we deserved, instead of falling agonisingly short.

"We were smart, determined, tough.

"It was a fantastic response from the boys after what happened at Batley and it's a proud day for our club, sitting on an achievement like beating a club that's as big as Bradford Bulls.

"We had reservoirs of energy and we stuck with them all the way through. Whenever Bradford scored we responded positively and in the right way.

"I'm especially happy and pleased for the players because I see them working tirelessly in training and they deserve anything and everything that comes along."

Scott Leatherbarrow's one goal miss from six attempts was a pressure kick when he was trying to level up at 22-22. The ball sailed wide and a minute or two later the Roughyeds stand-off made a long break for the corner and looked to be a certain scorer until Bulls full-back Johnny Campbell came from nowhere to take him out at the corner flag.

It was close. Leatherbarrrow thought he had scored, but he said: "I couldn't be absolutely sure.

'TRY'

"I wouldn't argue about it. It didn't matter anyway when 'Gillie' (Kieran Gill) came up with his try seconds later."

Bulls acting boss Leigh Beattie said: "You can't win when you make as many errors as we did, play dumb and make things up as you go. We were doing things we hadn't even practised."