And they were rewarded with a comfortable victory in their first game under the guidance of new Head coach Liam McGovern.

Billed as a pre-season fixture, the teams were competing for the annual John Ratcliffe and Antony Morris Memorial Trophy, with the game played over four x 20 minutes quarters.

The ultimate aim was to allow the coaching staff to run the rule over their respective squads, and fine tune all the hard work that has been happening out there on the training paddock.

The Wids had a healthy squad of twenty-six players to select from, all of whom were looking to stake their claim, and give the coaches a real selection headache ahead of the new campaign which is now just around the corner.

The weather for the game was perfect, with the bright, warm sunshine attracting a bigger than usual attendance.

Widnes began the game in fine style with some crisp and smart handling to get them inside the Park danger zone.

After bombing an early try scoring opportunity, they quickly made amends as Liam Lawton crossed for the opening five-pointer which was goaled by Liam McGovern.

Bobby Finch then went close, whilst captain Tom O’Neill was held up over the line.

It was 13 minutes before Park entered into the Wids final quarter of the field, but the home sides defence held firm to repel the danger.
With the end of the first quarter beckoning, the Wids then hit Park with a double whammy.

First, Bobby Finch was sent on a forty-metre dash to the line to score, before Charlie Feeley started and then finished a move to score their third try.

With the trusty boot of Liam McGovern on target, the Wids had suddenly eased their way into a 21 – nil advantage.

The second period began with prop forward Kurt Riley making a barnstorming run down the centre of the field, and this was followed by Rio Hamlett being held up over the line unable to touch down.

The home side were not to be denied for too long though, and just moments later, Nathan Chandler never gave up on a deft chip through by Feeley to touch down for their fourth try.

In the closing moments of the quarter, the home side broke clear from distance with Feeley handing on to Liam Lawton who raced clear to score his second of the afternoon.

The Wids made some more changes in the third period, although it was Park who had the better of those opening exchanges. However, they were unable to breach the home sides defensive line.

After failing to break their duck, Park were then hit with another quick fire double from Ben Mercer who crossed for a couple of tries, both of which were converted in style from Josh Salter.

With the result already out of sight now, and a bit of fatigue setting in, the early parts of the final quarter were a little bit scrappy. Widnes did have a couple more opportunities through Josh Argent and Bobby Finch but they failed to materialise.

However, the best bit was saved till last, as Charlie Feeley and Liam Lawton combined in another long-range raid, which ended with Nathan Chandler crossing for an excellent final try to bring up the half century of points and round off a terrific afternoon’s entertainment.

A delighted new Head coach Liam McGovern said afterwards “Today was a good first outing for the lads. We used 26 players with everyone getting as much game time as possible and everyone has staked a claim for a First Team jersey with that performance.

We have trained really hard in pre-season and the attitude and application from everyone has been superb. Today was very pleasing to see us replicate in a game what we have been practicing in training.

Our overall assessment, was this was a great first hit out but lots to work on and major improvements will be made the more games we play”.

+ The senior XV are without a game on Saturday because of the Bank Holiday weekend, but will return on Saturday, 30th August when they host Eccles in the first round of the Lancashire Cup.