Wearing their impressive new kit and welcomed onto the field by the Under 10's who formed a guard of honour, the home side scored three tries in all, with player of the match Charlie Feeley grabbing two, with winger Bobby Finch adding another, whilst the trusty boot of Liam McGovern added two conversions and a penalty.

The game was never really a classic, nor was it big on excitement or highlights, but nevertheless, the ‘red-and-blacks’ were simply happy enough to have got the job done and into the next round.

They now await the outcome of the draw for the semi-finals, which will see them pitted against either, Vale of Lune, Burnage, or Didsbury Toc H for a place in the final.

The weather for the game was rather grey and overcast with the threat of rain always hanging in the air. There was also a difficult and challenging wind which was blowing straight down the pitch.

The home side began the game well, and they quickly found themselves camped inside the Eccles quarter of the field.

And that early pressure soon told, as quick hands sent Charlie Feeley down the right-hand touchline to cross for a try after just five minutes. Liam McGovern then added an excellent touchline conversion to give the home side a seven-point lead.

They continued to have the better of those early exchanges and bombed a few other try scoring opportunities. Then, it was Eccles turn to finally get their hands on some meaningful possession as they sought a way back into the contest.

A smart chip ahead almost saw wing man Nathan Chandler touch down, but after 25 minutes they were not to be denied as an exciting long-distance break by second row man Sam Bryan eventually led to Bobby Finch racing clear to the line for another try.

This time the conversion was missed, but the Wids now held a twelve-point advantage.

Eccles should then have scored after Will Parkinson made an exciting run after collecting a clearance kick on the full. However, the last pass went to ground to deny them an opportunity.

Widnes then lost Keiron Arndell through injury and he was replaced by Tom Spencer.

As the half drew to a close, the visitors did apply some more pressure, but the Wids defensive line remained firm and intact to prevent any further changes to the scoreboard.

The visitors began the second half as they had ended the first, and once again, the ‘red-and-blacks’ were forced to defend their line to keep their opponents at bay.

On the hour mark, Matty Lawton then came on to the field as a replacement.

Shortly afterwards, man of the match Charlie Feeley decided to take matters into his own hands by taking the route one approach to the line, where some quick thinking saw him pick up and stride through a gap in the Eccles defence and race home untouched for a try beneath the posts.

Liam McGovern then added the conversion to ease the home side into a nineteen-point lead.

Further changes then saw Justin Winstanley and Lewis George come onto the field, later to be joined by Ben Mercer.

The final 20 minutes remained rather scrappy, particularly in attack. However, the Wids continued to be resolute in defence and were able to deal with everything that Eccles were able to throw at them as they sought a way back.

With the game entering the final ten minutes or so - and to really make the game safe - Liam McGovern then made the decision to attempt a difficult long-range penalty at goal into the teeth of the strong wind.

Fortunately, he struck the kick well, and the ball sailed straight between the uprights to increase the Widnes advantage.

Eccles would have the final say though, and in injury time they stretched the Wids defence out wide for elusive full-back Will Parkinson to cross for a try which he then goaled himself before the final whistle sounded.

New Head coach Liam McGovern said afterwards “Today was a game of two halves with a challenging wind against us in the first half, but we played some smart conservative rugby to build a 12 - 0 lead at the break.

In the second half we wanted to play Eccles deep with our kicking game and we certainly did this and winning the field position battle.
At 22 - 0 this was a fair reflection of the game, but unfortunately Eccles scored with the last play of the game.

Overall, we are happy with the scoreboard, but we can certainly improve the performance which we will fix up this week in training ready for the league season to start next weekend.”

Widnes: L Lawton, N Chandler, C Feeley, K Leadbetter, B Finch, L McGovern, J Salter, K Reiley, P Makles, D Rourke, R Hamlett, S Bryan, M Jones, K Arndell T O’Neill. Reps: J Winstanley, M Lawton, B Mercer, T Spencer, L George.