They are now waiting anxiously for the draw to be made to see who they will be pitched against in the last four of the competition.

The visitors scored four tries in all; with Charlie Feeley leading the way with a brace, with the others coming from Tom O’Neill and Jack Gilhooley, with Josh Salter also adding two conversions.

Make no mistake, this was a terrific effort from the Wids against a side who went ‘head-to-head’ with the red-and-blacks throughout the whole of last season, and who themselves were also promoted into Regional 2 NW.

The Widnes team had something of a new look about it following the departure of several players at the end of last season.

In came some of the 'new breed' who are all looking to establish themselves and lay down an early marker. On Saturday, it was the turn of Ed Price, John Leight and Rio Hamlett to make their first senior appearance, whilst there was a welcome return for Matty Walker onto the bench after an injury hit couple of seasons.

The weather for the game was warm and sunny whilst there was a stiff breeze blowing down the pitch, which was in tip top condition and ideal for some free-flowing rugby.

As expected, the early stages were all a bit frantic as both teams sought out an early advantage.

The visitors had plenty of early possession but were then forced to defend their lines for long periods, separated by a solitary long-distance run from wingman Jack Krause.

The first score came after fifteen minutes, when a planned lineout move involving Mike Jones worked to perfection to send Tom O’Neill charging through a big gap to score a try.

Eccles then had a man sent to the sin-bin, before Jamie Patient and Jack Krause combined to make a run, but which failed to produce any more points. In between, scrum half Gavin Hatton was called upon to pull off a vital tackle as Eccles danger man Gavin Ackers-Johnson threatened to break free.

Eccles suffered a blow as they lost influential stand-off Leon Simpson as well as scrum half Jacob Thomas which forced a re-shuffle in their ranks. Meanwhile, Jack Gilhooley arrived on scene from the bench for the visitors.

The home side continued to look for a way through to get back on level terms, but the Wids defensive line were in no mood for compromise and continued to repel everything that was thrown at them. In fact, the visitors could, and perhaps should, have added to their tally after breaking free from distance, but the chance was lost and they had to settle for a narrow 5 – nil advantage at the break.

With the elements now in their favour, Widnes introduced John Leight and Matty Lawton from the bench, and they were soon celebrating a second try as Jack Gilhooley got on the end of a blind side break from scrum half Gavin Hatton which doubled their advantage.

A frantic passage of play then followed; as Eccles re-doubled their efforts to get back on level terms. However, they continued to be re-buffed by some outstanding and determined Wids defence.

Ed Price then made an appearance from the bench for his first senior outing, before a great ball steal from Dan Rourke and break from Jack Krause ended with Eccles finally running out of defensive numbers enabling Charlie Feeley to cross for a try close enough for Josh Salter to add the conversion.

Not to be outdone, the home side responded, and some smart work and quick thinking saw supporting prop forward Joe Wilkinson on hand to crash over for a try which was goaled by Chris Thomas.

With just a ten-point deficit and plenty of time left on the clock, Eccles were still in this game and continued to press Widnes hard. In between, though, the visitors managed to miss out on a further couple of try scoring opportunities that would have made the game safe.

With just eight minutes left, a timely ball steal and break from Tom O’Neill and Dan Rourke saw the Wids make 50 metres to clear their lines.
And, although Eccles recovered possession, a loose pass in defence as they tried to force the pace, was swooped upon by the quick-thinking Charlie Feeley, who followed up and touch down for his second try of the afternoon.

Josh Salter then added the extras to make the score, and the game, safe at 24 – 7, to confirm their place in the semi-final of the competition.

A delighted Head coach Andy McIntosh said afterwards “That was an outstanding performance today in our first competitive run out of the season. We came out strongly and played some expansive rugby, but it was our defence which really put Eccles under pressure.

We are very pleased with the outcome away from home against a good side with three lads on first team debut. Everyone stood up today and we will be looking to kick on and take that desire into the new league season”.

Widnes: L Holland, J Krause, J Patient, C Feeley, T Spencer, J Salter, G Hatton, D Rourke, P Makles, J Winstanley, M Garrity, R Hamlett, M Jones, W Patient, T O'Neill (c). Reps: M Lawton, E Price, J Gilhooley, J Leight, M Walker.