WIDNES SAVE THE BEST TILL LAST

They were pushed all the way though, by a determined Manchester outfit who were keen to exorcise the memory of that defeat in the Papa Johns Northern Plate Final at Darlington just a few short months ago.

And they almost achieved their aim as they sought a late share of the spoils or at the very least a losing bonus point, only to suffer heartbreak right at the death as Widnes broke free from distance to score an outstanding long-range try and send the visitors home empty handed.

Andy McIntosh’s outfit, meanwhile, will have been delighted with the bonus point victory whilst not quite hitting the straps, particularly in that first half.

The game itself was played in bright, warm sunshine, whilst the pitch was in excellent condition and ideal for some free-flowing rugby.
It was the away team who got the game underway, and their quickly taken short kick off almost caught the Wids cold.

Jack Krause then made a great run down the centre of the field, which was followed by a disallowed effort from Gavin Hatton after the last pass was adjudged forward.

The deadlock was broken in the seventh minute when a diagonal kick saw Arnie Haydock react first to the difficult bouncing ball to collect and plunge over the line for the opening try. Kevin Leadbetter then added a super touchline conversion to make it 7 – nil.

A Wids error from the restart immediately invited a response from the away team, and just a few moments later Sam Farrell converted a well struck penalty from 30 metres to reduce the deficit.

The visitors continued to be difficult opponents to shake off, and on more than one occasion it was only some fine Widnes scrambling defence that kept their line intact.

Farrell then pushed another penalty attempt wide of the target, but the visitors would not be denied for long though, as number eight Rubin Holland touched down for a push over try.

The successful conversion sent the away team in at the break leading by 10pts – 7.

Widnes made a couple of changes during the interval with Josh Kenyon and young prop forward Dan Rourke coming onto the field.

And it didn’t take long for the Wids long to restore their advantage as some crisp handling saw Liam Lawton feed Jamie Patient who rang a great angle at speed to dive over under the posts for a try. The conversion attempt from Kevin Leadbetter also went over to extend their lead.

Just minutes later, a break and intelligent kick ahead from Gavin Hatton bounced up perfectly for Kevin Leadbetter to collect and score their third try. The same player then added the conversion, and suddenly Widnes had some daylight on the scoreboard at 21pts – 10.

The visitors were not done yet though, and on the hour mark, centre Tom Hughes exploited a big hole in the Wids defensive line to race 50 metres for an outstanding try which was converted by Sam Farrell.

With the deficit now just four points, it was most certainly game on again with plenty of time left to play.

After 73 minutes, Josh Salter then booted over a penalty for the home side, before Kevin Leadbetter then missed with a drop goal attempt.
With the clock ticking down, Widnes then had a man sent to the sin-bin which offered the away team an opportunity to at least get back on level terms.

However, as they attempted to force the pace with one last valiant effort, the Wids came away with possession turning defence into attack; and in a move that covered almost the full length of the pitch, saw Jamie Patient break free before handing on to Jack Krause who finished the move in style.

There was just enough time for Josh Salter to add the conversion, before the final whistle sounded and bring to an end what had been a terrific opening day contest.

Head coach Andy McIntosh said afterwards “Delighted today with a bonus point win - the first outing of the season - and I couldn’t ask for any more from the lads.

We bombed some chances early on and gave too many penalties away in the first half and had some strong words at half time. The response was positive, and we were in control throughout in the second half. Lots to work on, but the lads enjoyed the victory”.