Wilmslow beat Widnes

They were ‘out-enthused’ in both attack and defence particularly in the first half, with the local support describing it as by far their team’s best performance of the season.

The same cannot be said though of the ‘red-and-blacks’ who looked hesitant and out of touch and leaving themselves with just too much to do in the face of such determined opponents.

For the visitors then, this was a stark reminder – if they ever needed one – that they remain the team that everyone wants to beat, whilst for the home side, this result and performance could be the one that really kick-starts their season after a mixed start.

Despite the defeat, though, the Wids remain top of the pile, but they now have Eccles breathing down their necks in second place after their victory against Didsbury Toc H.

The weather for the game was in complete contrast to that of recent days, with bright sunshine greeting the players as they made their way onto the field.

And it was the home side who were quickest out of the blocks, stretching Widnes on the wide outside to get wing man Matt White over in the corner for a try inside the first five minutes.

With no ball to talk of during those opening minutes, Widnes soon conceded again as an individual effort from centre Kellen Wood doubled their advantage.

With the visitors continuing to live off just occasional scraps of possession, they were hurt again by the boot of full-back Conor McMurdock who added a three-pointer after 20 minutes play.

Finally, Widnes awoke from their slumbers, and when the forwards got to work close to the Wilmslow line, prop forward Arnie Haydock was on hand to crash over for a try to open their account.

However, Wilmslow were in no mood to give up their advantage, and when Kellen Wood ran a great angle, before handing on allowing number eight Cyrus Kerfoot to score their third try of the afternoon.

Minutes later, full-back McMurdock converted another penalty which sent the home team in at the break leading by 21pts – 7.
If the Wids had any chance of re-igniting their challenge and maintaining their unbeaten record, they had to do something quickly at the start of the second period.

And there was an undoubted improvement during those important early exchanges.

There was some great work from Keiron Arndell, whilst both Jamie Patient and Jack Krause had opportunities to run the ball in from distance.

However, when that elusive first score failed to materialise, the panic and self-doubt seemed to set in, and it began to feel that perhaps that this just wasn’t going to be their day.

Indeed, when the trusty boot of McMurdock booted over his third successful penalty to extend the home side’s lead, it really was beginning to look like mission impossible for the league leaders.

However, all was not yet lost. And when captain Tom O’Neill chose to take matters into his own hands and barge his way over the line for a try which Kevin Leadbetter converted, what little hope that was left, remained.

With time running out, what chances the visitors did have of pulling a rabbit out of the hat soon came to a shuddering halt as the referee produced a late yellow and red card. This was followed by a further penalty from McMurdock which ultimately sealed their fate.

Head coach Andy McIntosh said afterwards “We lost out today to a well drilled team who started very strongly, built a lead, and we never really recovered to get a foothold in the game.

They generally out enthused us and we were second best in many areas of the contest. This resulted in us defending for long periods. Then, when we did see the ball, we never really troubled Wilmslow who deserved their win.

The lads didn’t give up and battled it out for the full 80 minutes, but it wasn’t to be. The late second half charge didn’t arrive today, and we credit Wilmslow for their performance and we must quickly move on. We will look for a big response at home to West Park next week”.