CUP JOY FOR WIDNES

Make no mistake; this was a result of epic proportions for the Wids, in what turned out to be a terrific and entertaining game of rugby.

Not only did the victory propel them into the semi-final of the more senior competition; it also represented an outstanding team performance against a talented side from a higher level who were well drilled and well structured.

The result would also have sent out a message to the other clubs in the ADM Premier League, that last season’s treble winning performance was no fluke, and that they still have the ability, appetite and desire to do it all again when the league action commences again on 14th September.

Fortunately, the heavy mid-morning rain finally gave way to bright but very breezy conditions as kick off time approached.

And, it was the Wids who had much the better of the early exchanges, taking the lead after just five minutes when Matty Lawton crashed over from close range for a try which was goaled by Andy Owens.

The home side did have other chances to expand on their lead but they failed to take advantage and Burnage were soon back on level terms as some scratchy defence allowed Jordan Chappell to score a try which was converted by the trusty boot of Rhys Evans.

Further scoring opportunities then went missing for both teams. There was some smart work on show from Burnage fullback James Clark to diffuse a difficult situation, whilst a low level long range touch finder from Kevin Leadbetter got the red-and-blacks close to be followed by a half break from Josh Paton which ultimately came to nothing.

There was a chance for Andy Owens to kick his team into the lead with a penalty, but the effort in the 32nd minute was pulled wide of the target in the difficult, swirling conditions.

It meant that both sides went in all square at half-time but with all to play for in the second period.

Although it was Burnage who made the early yards at the start of the second half, it was the home side who put together a fine passage of play through man of the match Tom O’Neill who found Arnie Haydock in support before he handed on to the supporting Matty Lawton who crossed for his second try which was again converted by Andy Owens.

Back came the visitors, and they were denied a try scoring opportunity as the winger stepped into touch on his way over the line.

They were not to be denied for long though, as almost immediately Rhodri Sennitt crossed for a try with Evans booting over the extras to make it 14 – 14.

Looking good value now, Burnage got their noses in front as Evans then added an easy penalty which gave them a three point advantage.

Could Widnes respond to the challenge once more?

That question was answered less than five minutes later, as some quick thinking from Josh Kenyon saw his pass find Kevin Leadbetter who handed on to centre Liam Lawton who crossed for a try. Fullback Andy Owens was able to add the conversion to make the score 21 – 17 in favour of the Wids.

An error from the restart then saw Burnage cough up a penalty, and that man Owens knocked over the kick to increase the Wids advantage to seven points.

Unsurprisingly, Burnage immediately cranked up their efforts once more, and after stretching the home defence, first one way and then the other, they created enough room for replacement Tom Cox to cut through a gap and score a try.

All eyes were now on the conversion attempt, but this time Rhys Evans was just wide of the target which left them trailing by two points.

With the minutes counting down and everything still to play for, it was now a case of who would blink first.

And, fortunately that happened to be the visitors, as an error from the re-start allowed Widnes to set up camp close to their opponents line. This was followed by a mighty effort in the scrum from where the outstanding Josh Kenyon’s went blind before releasing Gavin Hatton who scampered over in the corner.

Andy Owens touchline conversion attempt – had it been successful - would have sealed the win, but as it was, the effort just missed the target.

So it remained a seven point ball game, and a late converted try for the visitors would have been enough to send them through. But, as it was, a master class from the Wids pack was enough to starve their opponents of possession along with any possibility of the win.

In the end, it was left to a delighted Captain Kevin Leadbetter to boot the ball out of play on the full to end the game and secure what was a famous victory.

Afterwards, a delighted Head coach Andy McIntosh said “What a game! We couldn’t have asked for any more from the lads. We knew we needed a committed performance and they delivered. Our defence was superb, our discipline was outstanding and we took our chances when they came along. It was a complete performance and we got what we deserved which we will take forward into our league campaign.

He continued “There were some really good individual performances out there but the lads as a team they showed me they are still hungry from last year. And, although it is early days, we enjoyed the result and can’t wait for the draw and the start of the new league season”.