WIDNES RAIN SUPREME

In weather better suited to ducks, this was an absolutely superb performance by the ‘red-and-blacks’ who had to overcome the early loss of Keiron Arndell and Jack Krause through injury, before re-grouping in style to finally claim the spoils.

They were, however, pushed all the way by a determined Didsbury outfit, who threw everything except the kitchen sink at their opponents – particularly in that second half – before coming up just short in the final analysis.

But to the victor the spoils, and the Wids cannot be anything other than delighted with their afternoon’s work which leaves them sitting pretty at the top of table, unbeaten, and six points ahead of their nearest rivals, Broughton Park, whom they face in their next game at Heath Road.

Sadly, the weather for the game was exactly as predicted by the forecasters with torrential rain pouring down for the full eighty minutes.

In what was a frantic opening, Kevin Leadbetter pulled an early penalty attempt wide of the target, before the visitors then saw two players having to leave the field because of injury, forcing a reshuffle.

After eight minutes, Didsbury then created some pressure which enabled Liam McGovern to kick his side into the lead with a penalty.

Their lead, though, was short lived, as some quick thinking from Widnes ended with centre Liam Lawton crossing for a try.

After 17 minutes, it was the home side’s turn to shine, and some smart work through the back line ended with Simandi-Curtis going over in the corner for a well worked try. This time the conversion was missed, but Didsbury were now in front 8 – 5.

Shortly afterwards, Kevin Leadbetter slotted over a penalty for the visitor’s meaning that the sides were all square once more.

Allan Breeden then made a dangerous 50-metre dash down centre field, which ended with a Didsbury player being sent to the sin-bin.

Taking full advantage of the extra man, Widnes were then able to take the lead as a smart pass from Tom O’Neill was seized upon by Mike Jones who plunged over from close range, with Leadbetter adding the extras.

Five minutes later, Liam McGovern converted a penalty for the home side to cut the deficit to just four points.

Widnes weren’t done yet though, and after Ben Mercer had made a great break down the middle of the field, Liam Lawton was on hand to score his second try of the afternoon, with Kevin Leadbetter once again booting over the conversion.

The visitors then had to absorb a terrific amount of pressure close to their own line, but their scrambling defence continued to remain strong, enabling them to keep their opponents at bay as the half-time whistle sounded to end a thrilling first forty minutes.

The conditions continued to worsen by the minute as the game restarted, but this failed to dampen the tempo of what was developing into a great advert for the standard of Counties 1 Lancashire & Cheshire rugby.

Widnes were able to deal with everything that Didsbury continued to throw at them, and even had a couple of great opportunities to score more points.

But then, as the clock reached the hour mark, everything changed as a Widnes pass was intercepted by Jack White, who raced home from 55 metres for a try, which was goaled by McGovern to make it a four-point ball game.

Three minutes later, Mc Govern then added a penalty to leave the Wids hanging on by the narrowest of margins.

Last season might have seen Widnes wilt under the intense pressure, but there is a steely determination about them this year, and they took immediately too the fight back to their opponents.

Finally, after breaking free of their defensive shackles, they were able to make their way down field once again to earn a penalty which Kevin Leadbetter converted to give them a little more breathing space at 21 – 25.

After spurning another three points late in the piece, the visitors were again forced to defend their line as though their lives depended on it, which, fortunately, they were able to do and see out the remainder of the contest to claim a famous victory.

Head coach Andy McIntosh said afterwards “This was a fantastic performance from the boys. Losing two players in the first ten minutes was a big blow - but the lads accepted the challenge, and with a few changes we kicked on to put in one of the best spirited performances I can remember from this group.

It’s always a physical contest against Didsbury, and today was no different and it went the full eighty minutes to decide the game. Everyone stood up and played their part, managed any setbacks and went again – outstanding.

There were some real stand out performances. But this was a quality team effort, led by a fully committed defensive effort and the lads thoroughly deserved the win”.