In what was an absorbing contest, they recovered from a ring rusty first half hour or so, to really turn things around in the second period, where a bit more control and composure at critical times might well have seen them get over the finishing line.

However, it was not to be, and opponents Vale should be congratulated for their efforts in going on to complete the double and lift the trophy in what had been a difficult week.

Both teams can now enjoy some time off ahead of a return to pre- season training and action back out there on the pitch. For Widnes, they will be aiming for further progress in Regional 2 North West, whilst Vale have new challenges to look forward following their move up to Level 5.

The weather for the game was rather miserable, with the brighter start giving way to grey, leaden skies and persistent steady rain falling throughout the afternoon.

Widnes got the game underway through Liam McGovern but soon fell behind to an early penalty from Jamie Mayall.

The ‘red-and-blacks’ then suffered a blow, as scrum half Josh Kenyon had to leave the field with a hamstring injury, and he was replaced by Gavin Hatton.

With Widnes still looking to get a foothold in the contest, Vale continued to have the upper hand, and on thirteen minutes, centre Mayall converted another penalty which doubled his side’s advantage.

That lead was extended further not long afterwards as Vale were able to stretch the Wids defence out wide, allowing fullback Henry Clifton to reach out and touch down for a try.

Mayall was again on target with the extras which put his team thirteen points to the good.

The Wids then suffered a further injury blow, as hooker Ben Mercer was then forced to leave the field, with Craig Lawton coming on to replace him.

Widnes the earned back-to-back penalties got them close, and there was an exciting run-down centre field from Jamie Patient.

Unable though to turn any of that pressure into points, Vale again took full advantage, as the trusty boot of Mayall booted over another three pointer to make it 16 – nil.

With three minutes of the half left, the ‘red-and-blacks’ were suddenly able to spring into life, and after a slick Dan Rourke pass had sent Tom O’Neill on a dashing run-down centre field, quick hands got Lewis George over in the corner for a try.

That proved to be the last real action of the half, and Vale went in leading 16 – 5 at the break.

With Widnes introducing Adam Menia at half time, they needed a good start to the second period if they were to maintain their challenge, and they quickly managed to achieve that as Liam McGovern converted a penalty to make it 16 – 8.

It was beginning to look like a much more even contest now, and things were soon to get even better for the Wids, where, following a great run from Liam Lawton, Gavin Hatton was able to touch down for a try close to the uprights.

Liam McGovern then added the conversion to make it a single point ball game at 16 – 15.

On the hour mark, Vale were able to earn a little bit of additional breathing space as Mayall converted a further penalty to increase their advantage to four points.

Widnes then opted to make a few changes, with Rio Hamlett, Tom Spencer and Josh Percival all making an appearance from the bench.
A crucial point came in the 67th minute when Vale had a player sent to the sin-bin.

From there, Widnes should really have made their numerical advantage count, but crucially they were unable to do so. And, although they did go close on several occasions, Vale were ultimately able to hang on and claim the spoils.

Head coach Liam McGovern said afterwards “Today was a tale of two halves. In that opening half hour, I think it showed that we had not played for four weeks with Vale being more match hardened than ourselves and building a lead with heavy possession and territory.

We knew though, that if we got a fair share of the ball we would score and that proved to be the case. But in the end it was not to be, and we came up short by just one score.

I am very proud of the players and the club for the strides we are making, moving forward, and developing our club into the very best place to play Rugby.

Next season we will learn from our mistakes and come back bigger and better for this year’s experiences.

In conclusion, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed this season, and who have all played their part in making Widnes RUFC the wonderful club that it is.”

Widnes: J Salter, J Patient, L Lawton, K Leadbetter, L George, L McGovern, J Kenyon, D Rourke, B Mercer, M Blakey, M Garrity, E Price, C Feeley, A Breeden, T O’Neill (c). Reps: J Percival, C Lawton, T Spencer, A Menia, R Hamlett, G Hatton, A Jones