MOOR SUCCESS FOR WIDNES

After a tense first half, they were in red hot form during the second period to run in 38 un-answered points to maintain their place at the top of the division.

They scored a remarkable six tries and four conversions in the second half, including one from the very impressive Charlie Feeley, who was making his debut from the bench.

For Moor, it was a third successive league defeat after achieving promotion last term. This time, though, they were unable to salvage a four try bonus point which had been a feature of their previous two matches.

The weather for the game was rather grey and breezy, but the pitch was dry and ideal for some free-flowing rugby.

There were a few self-inflicted errors from both teams during the opening stages, and it was the home side who had a couple of early chances through Ciaron O’Donnell and Gavin Hatton.

Widnes finally opened their account after ten minutes, as they attacked from depth where a long cut out pass freed up Liam Lawton who sent Jamie Patient racing clear for a great score.

An error in the Moor defence then allowed Widnes to set up camp inside their danger area which ended with scrum half Josh Kenyon striding through a big gap for a try.

Kevin Leadbetter was on hand to add the conversion to give the home side a twelve-point advantage.

Widnes then lost a player into the sin-bin, which allowed the visitors to respond as Sam Ireland barged his way over the line for a try which was converted by Dan Child.

Once again, though, the home side fronted up to the challenge, and were able to respond in style once more as Jamie Patient ran a great angle to coast home from 35 metres for his second try of the game.

The latter part of the half was all about Moor, and they laid siege to the Widnes line for the remainder of the first forty. And although the Wids scrambling defence was in fine form, they were unable to prevent the visitors from barging their way over for a converted try on the stroke of half time.

That left the score evenly poised at 17 – 14 at the break, with all to play for in the second period.

And, it was the ‘red-and-blacks’ who were able to respond right from the off, as a powerful break from Tom O’Neill, found Will Patient in support to race home from 35 metres for the bonus point try which was then goaled by Kevin Leadbetter.

Jack Krause then had a ‘try’ ruled out before Kieron Arndell shrugged off a would tackler to score. Another successful kick from Leadbetter meant the score was now 31 – 14 in favour of the home side.

Widnes then introduced Charlie Feeley into the fray to make his senior debut, along with another impressive youngster, Dan Rourke.

The home side had their tails up now, and it wasn’t long before Kieron Arndell – later to be voted player of the match – crossed for his second try which was also converted.

Next, it was the turn of Captain Fantastic, Tom O’Neill to race home for a try following a thirty-metre dash to the line, with Leadbetter again adding the extras.

The biggest cheer came in the 65th minute, when debutant Feeley won the foot race from some 55 metres out to get ahead of the defence and touch down for his first try in senior colours. His try also brought up the half century of points.

Finally, the best was saved till last, as Jack Krause scored a classic wingers try, drifting inside before getting on the outside of the defender with pace on a tremendous 50 metre dash to the line.

Head coach Andy McIntosh said afterwards “This was another really good runout for the lads today, underpinned by a good defensive effort in a tough 15-minute period before half time.

We started really well, and other than the period after the yellow card in the first half, we were in control throughout. The lads stuck to the game plan and we really took the game to the opposition in the second half scoring some very good tries.

What was very exciting for us, was the young lads coming off the bench today and making great impacts in the pack.

We have picked up a few knocks so we will see how the week pans out ahead of the game against Bolton next week”.