Champions!!

They achieved the feat with a tremendous second half showing – particularly in that final quarter – before going on to claim the title in style.

Spare a thought though for West Park, who were worthy opponents throughout before coming up just short. Not only that; back-to-back defeats at the business end of the season may well see them finish the campaign down in fourth spot after promising so much more during that long final run in.

But, this game was all about the red-and-blacks, and anyone connected with the Club can be nothing other than delighted with their efforts and achievements over the last six months.

Not that things started out that way for the visitors.

Unsurprisingly, with what was at stake, they looked nervy and hesitant in the opening exchanges and quickly fell behind to an early Park try from John Pape after just four minutes.

The Wids then had a couple of chances themselves as they attacked from distance, but on each occasion some solid Park defensive work kept them out.

The visitors then had a lucky escape when an attacking move broke down in midfield, to be followed by an exciting kick and chase, and which ended with Park hooker Williams losing possession as he reached out for what looked to be a certain try.

Shaking off that particular hiccup, and helped along by a couple of penalties Widnes eventually got themselves onto the scoreboard after 20 minutes, with a well struck kick from Andy Owens.

Park, though, continued to look dangerous, and on the half hour mark they were able to add to their tally as Liam Hill cut through before releasing Ryan Littler who scored a fine try in the corner.

But, there then followed a sequence of events which would have a crucial bearing on the remainder of the game.

Firstly, the red-and-blacks had a man sent to the sin-bin for a deliberate knock down. Importantly, though, the visitors were able to keep their line intact despite the numerical disadvantage. Park then lost influential stand-off Liam Rosney through injury, before the visitors were suddenly able to turn defence into attack which allowed Josh Paton to cross for a try which was then converted in style from touch by Andy Owens.

So, rather than staring down the barrel of what should have been a 14 point deficit, amazingly, the Wids were all square at 10 – 10 as the half time whistle sounded, leaving the game evenly poised and everything still to play for in the second period.

Returning to a full complement of players and having suffered no additional serious damage on the scoreboard, Widnes looked visibly lifted as the second half got underway. And, their new found confidence was not mis-placed, as they were immediately rewarded with a second try from Josh Paton after some quick, crisp handling along the back line.

Not to be outdone though, some quick thinking from Park saw prop forward Oli Berry barge his way over the line for a try, and when Jack Holland added an outstanding touchline conversion, the score was now 17 – 15 in favour of Park.

The game now was as tight as it was exciting, but one had the feeling that the pendulum was beginning to swing ever so slightly in the Wids favour.

It began with Antony Leadbetter having a try chalked off after collecting an accurate pin point kick from Brother Kevin. On 57 minutes, though, they were awarded a penalty, and full back Andy Owens held his nerve to strike the long range effort between the posts to put his side in front again by the narrowest of margins.

Ten minutes later, the same player then repeated the dose to increase the Wids advantage to four points.

That lead though was still not enough, and it took an excellent touch finder from Kevin Leadbetter to relieve the pressure, and set up another opportunity for Owens to convert a third successful penalty to open up a crucial seven point gap with just ten minutes left.

The home side were now desperate to get back into the contest, but the Wids were a different animal now, tackling everything in sight and forcing Park into making some crucial unforced errors.

As the clock ticked down into its final moments, Park were forced into one, late, fatal handling error following a long range clearance kick, and the visitors were able to make them pay and wrap up the win – and the title – as Josh Paton crossed to complete a hat-trick of tries.

It hardly seemed to matter that Andy Owens touchline conversion attempt hit the upright and bounced back out.

Widnes had won and the ADM Premier League title belonged to them.

Reflecting on the achievements of his team, a delighted Head Coach Andy McIntosh said afterwards “It is hard to imagine that after losing our first three matches we managed to click and the rest is history. To then go on and remain undefeated and win 20 successive games is a tremendous achievement. From 1 – 15 plus the bench, the side have been outstanding.

We were a bit nervy in that first half, but after the break I thought we were outstanding. I am very proud and the lads deserve it.

He continued “It is not over yet. We still have a League Cup semi-final and the Lancashire Trophy Final to look forward to so cannot wait for the next challenge”