Naylor is Oldham’s top man

YOU BEAUTY: Liam Thompson celebrates with the silverware.

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

INSPIRATIONAL stand-off and skipper Lewis Palfrey and bustling centre George Tyson saluted the influence of coach Scott Naylor after Oldham’s brilliant 31-20 win over Keighley Cougars.

Palfrey kicked four conversions, a penalty and a drop goal while Tyson scored the Roughyeds’ fourth try of a never-to-be-forgotten day at a packed Whitebank.

Both played their part in the ecstatic post-match celebrations. Naylor, meanwhile, was content to step to one side to let the players enjoy the moment that will live long in the memory of all those present.

“Scott Naylor has made a huge impact,” said skipper Palfrey. “He’s turned the club on its head with his professionalism. He got his reward with this win.”

And Tyson added: “He’s a class coach and has supported me so much. He has shown me a lot of things, improved my game and made me enjoy my rugby again.”

Palfrey hailed the ability of the Oldham team to play at a high intensity level for 80 minutes. He is also sure they can be competitive in the Championship next season.

He said: “This has been a long time coming. There was definitely a different feel about this game. We felt so confident. We had put a number on Keighley before and we were really confident we would do it again.

“Our set completion rate in the first half was something like 93 per cent, which is ridiculous — the target is 80 to 85. This is the fittest team I’ve been a part of by a long way and the way we have finished games this season has shown that.

“If you keep going at the middle unit for 60 minutes, gradually their legs will fall away and that’s what happened here.

“I think we will definitely hold our own in the Championship. We're going to have to make a few additions here and there, but it’s all about consolidation. It’s going to be a different sort of season for us, but it’s a challenge we are looking forward to.”

Tyson was delighted to get on the scoresheet in such a vital match: “It was nice to get a try as I haven’t had one for about six weeks, especially in a game like that,” he said.

“Winning the league leaders’ shield last week, the atmosphere and the confidence between the lads was such that we didn’t think we were ever going to lose this game at all. The lads dug in deep.”