And, in the end it was the home side who came out on top, showing the kind of form that will likely see them promoted, as well as looking a decent bet to go all the way in this competition.

That said, the Wids were not without opportunities. They had plenty of chances especially in that second half. But, a blistering start by the Yorkshire outfit mixed in with two visiting players spending time in the sin-bin, ultimately meant that they had to accept that they were second best on the day.

The weather for the start of the game was grey and cold with a stiff wind blowing down the pitch.

The home side began the game at a whirlwind pace and were quickly on to the offensive, and they were able to take an early lead as a smart inside pass found centre Michael Briggs who burst through for a try converted by Chris Georgiou.

Unable to get their hands on any kind of real possession and living off scraps, the Wids conceded again on 12 minutes as Dom Georgiou crossed for their second try which was also converted to make it 14 -nil.

Almost immediately though, the red-and-blacks retaliated in style as Jamie Patient made a break to get the Wids close. And, when they earned a lineout close to their opponents’ line, it was left to Aaron Duggan to combine with Josh Kenyon to get Arnie Haydock crashing over for a try which was goaled by Andy Owens.

After 21 minutes though, Widnes suffered a blow as the first of two players were invited to spend ten minutes in the sin-bin during which time, the home side quickly added a third try from prop forward Benny Pritchett.

The Wids then had a narrow escape as another ‘try’ was chalked off by the official have spotted an earlier obstruction in the build-up.

Returning to a full complement of 15 players, the visitors then lost another player into the ‘bin which allowed the ‘Brods’ to convert a penalty and increase their advantage to 12 points.

The final action of the half though saw a series of penalties go in favour of the red-and-blacks, which created a platform for prop-forward Arnie Haydock to crash over for his second try and make the score 22 – 12 at half time.

The visitors how had the elements in their favour at the start of the second half, but, as in the first period, it was the home who responded quickest, as wing man Jason Dodd crossed in the corner to make the score 27 – 12.

After that, it was the home side who managed to get on the wrong side of the official, and hooker Ryan Harris was also invited to sit out the next ten minutes.

From there, the Wids missed several try scoring opportunities to put points on the board with Liam Lawton, and then Antony Leadbetter both being denied.

After that, it was the home side who were finally able to make the game safe, as they added a further late converted try, before the Wids bombed a gilt-edged opportunity almost at the death.

Head coach Andy McIntosh said afterwards “‘Fair play to our hosts today they were very well drilled and took their chances when they came along and tactically, they played the pitch very well. We are very disappointed, but to be fair to the lads we gave it good shot but fell just short.

We scrambled well, gave our all on the day but our opponents were too strong. We didn’t help ourselves at times and put down too much ball, there is no answer to that.

“We now turn our focus back to the league and Lancashire competitions once again and wish Old Brodleians the best of luck in the next round”.