Absolutely! You effectively bypassed the sensor and the igniter came on. Manufacturers don't recommend this type of testing for safety reasons, but I guess what's done is done. Another way to check the sensor is for continuity with an ohmmeter.
If the sensor is bad, it won't let any juice thru to the igniter - another safety feature. Your sensor is #79
on this diagram. Good job!
By the way, while you're in there, use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of any lint.