HANDY ANDY DOES IT FOR KICKS

They were pushed all the way by an in-form Red Rocks outfit that had been on a decent run of form after four successive victories in the league. They were, however, only able to leave with a losing bonus point, which in reality could perhaps have been more after edging their way into the lead with not too much time left.

But it was the hosts who battled their way over the finishing line to claim another four league points, and give themselves some added confidence ahead of Saturday’s up-and-coming Lancashire Trophy semi-final.

Overall, the game itself wasn’t a classic. Rather, a typical derby game with no quarter being asked or given, as the pair battled it out in an effort to claim the spoils as well as the local bragging rights.

As expected, the opening exchanges were a real arm wrestle; with lots of mistakes from both teams mixed in with some outstanding defence which kept highlights and try scoring opportunities down to a premium.

Indeed, neither side really troubled the scoreboard operators until around the 30th minute, when Park failed to clear the danger which allowed Gavin Hatton to pick up the loose ball before handing on - with a clever, out-the-back-door pass – to Kevin Leadbetter who raced over for the try.

Fullback Andy Clarke then booted over a super touchline conversion to give them a seven-point advantage.

It wouldn't last long though, as Park replied immediately with a great try.

Attacking from depth, a well-timed pass split the Wids defence to allow fullback Unsworth to touch down for a try close enough for Ryan Littler to add the extras and square things up once again.

After losing a player into the sin-bin, the home side should really have gotten their noses back in front just before the interval. But despite some smart build up work, the final pass went to ground and the chance was missed.

With no further action to really speak of, the two sides went in at the break all square at 7 – 7.

The home side made a few changes during the rest period, with Tom Spencer, Justin Winstanley and Arnie Haydock all making an appearance from the bench.

The game continued to ebb and flow for the next twenty minutes, with both sides having opportunities but then failing to capitalise upon them as the error count continued.

Hooker Ben Mercer was denied a try scoring opportunity from a forward pass, before Andy Clarke then edged his side in front again with a well struck penalty.

But once again, Park showed that they were very much still in this contest, and when a fine, long range touch finder earned them some decent field position, the visitors were able to make it count as they squeezed over in the corner and give themselves the lead for the first time.

Realising they were in danger of slipping to a first home defeat of the season, Widnes rolled up their sleeves and took the fight right back to their opponents.

The clock though was ticking down, and with Park continuing to remain in determined mood, it was going to require a massive effort to come back and claim victory.

But that was exactly what happened, as the Wids came roaring back to the stretch the Park defence out wide, where Justin Winstanley’s pass enabled Jamie Patient to show strength and power to squeeze over in the corner for a try.

With just a narrow three-point advantage, the conversion attempt was all important, and fortunately Andy Clarke – later voted player of the match thanks to his efforts - was on hand for the second time to send his kick with laser like precision between the uprights and a 17 – 12 lead.

There was still time for Park to give it one more go, but they were chasing the game now, and when they made a couple of late handling errors, Widnes were finally able to clear the danger and see out the closing moments to claim what was a hard-earned victory.

Head coach Andy McIntosh said afterwards “We were looking for a strong response after a below par run out last week at Wilmslow and what a response it was for the full 80 minutes.

Credit to West Park who pushed us all the way. It was very close until the last kick of the ball, but we did enough, putting in a fine shift to run out winners.

We just need to build on a tough last few weeks, continue to put pressure on any of our opposition and enjoy our rugby.

A tough visit to Aldwinians awaits us next week in the semi-final of the Lancashire Trophy”