No Walk in the Park for Sefton

The game had the added novelty of being played under floodlights, whilst the weather conditions were warm and sunny as the first of four quarters got underway.

And, it was Sefton - who arrived at Heath Road with a large squad of players - who started the game in determined fashion as they always do, and were much the better team in the opening 20 minutes.

Despite having most of the possession and field position, it was the red-and-blacks who struck first as smart, quick hands, sent Gavin Hatton racing over for a try to give the home side a 5 – nil lead.

Josh Salter then prevented a score with a well timed tackle to get underneath his man, but he was powerless to prevent Andrew Scully from crashing over for a try moments later which was goaled by James Evans.

The second quarter saw more smart work from the Wids backline allowing Tom Spencer to cut back inside to score with Andy Owens adding the extras.

Shortly afterwards, a fine Kevin Leadbetter touch finder paved the way for Spencer to race over for his second try of the evening and give his team a 17 – 7 interval lead.

Unsurprisingly, Sefton soon replied after half time with a penalty try which cut the deficit to just three points, before Widnes fullback Andy Owens timed his run to perfection as he cut through for a try which he also converted.

The visitors showed they were in no mood to surrender though, and quickly replied with another converted try before Aaron Duggan scored another of his trademark tries for the home team following a 35 metre dash to the line with Owens again adding the extras.

After a couple of useful runs from hooker Makles, prop forward Arnie Haydock showed plenty of pace and skill as he raced 30 metres before reaching out to score after being hauled down just short of the line.

Once more, fullback Andy Owens added the conversion which wrapped up the scoring and sealed the victory.

Overall, it was a useful exercise for both teams and both coaches will have got plenty from the game as the new season approaches.