Back in the Groove

The victory, mixed in with the other results on the day, means that the ‘red-and-blacks’ are now just two points behind leaders Eccles, but crucially with a game in hand as they head into 2024.

And, it was one of the Wids elder statesmen, Kevin Leadbetter - who booted over three crucial touchline conversions - which helped get them over the finishing line.

They were also well served by replacement Alex Jones and Jack Krause who both crossed for a couple of tries each, along with Josh Salter, playing in the unfamiliar role of scrum half, who also turned in an outstanding performance.

For the home side; it was another disappointing loss, but they did pick up a couple of bonus points after scoring four tries and losing by a margin of less than seven points.

The weather for the game was bright and sunny, but there was little warmth around thanks to a chilly breeze blowing down the pitch.

Widnes began the game brightly, and after just three minutes, a big tackle from Allan Breeden saw the wing forward collect possession before then showing a clean pair of heels on a 65-metre dash to the line for a try.

Andy Clarke was on hand to convert and give his side a seven-point lead.

Almost immediately, though, the home side were back in it, as a powerful forward drive – a regular feature in their game – saw Michael McGuire cross for a try, with the conversion going wide of the target.

The visitors continued to bomb a number of try scoring opportunities as lost possession and mistakes prevented them from adding any additional points on the scoreboard.

That was until the 21st minute, when some simple, straight forward handling across the back line sent in Jack Krause on a mazy run to the line to score the visitors second try.

Fullback Andy Clarke then had to leave the field with a shoulder injury and he was replaced by Alex Jones.

Moor then benefitted from a long range 50:22 kick downfield which set up the field position for Josh Tate to cross from close range. Stand-off Antoon Lemmers added the extras to level things up at 12 – 12.

After the home side then lost a player into the sin-bin, Widnes were able to take full advantage of the extra man to get Alex Jones over in the corner for a try.

Veteran stand-off Kevin Leadbetter then took over the kicking duties, and he duly converted a super long-range effort from the touchline to make the score 19 – 12 in favour of the Wids at half-time.

When the second half got underway, a trio of Moor penalties, followed by a Widnes player then being sent to the sin-bin, was enough of an incentive to enable the home side to barge their way over the line to score their third try of the afternoon.

A successful kick would have meant that the scores were all square once again, but the alertness and speed of Jack Krause, saw the wing man charge down the conversion attempt and keep the visitors lead intact.

Just a few minutes later, that man Krause was then in the thick of the action once again, as he got on the end of an intelligent long-pass from Kevin Leadbetter’s to cross wide out for his second try. The latter then held his nerve to boot over another outstanding touchline conversion.

With plenty of time left, Moor weren’t finished yet, and they scored another try to earn themselves a bonus point. This time the conversion hit the upright to leave the score evenly poised at 22 – 26.

An exciting break and kick ahead could then have produced more for the Wids, but in the end it was left to Alex Jones who scored his second try of the afternoon following some smart work in the build up.

Remarkably, stand-off Leadbetter then calmly stroked over a third touchline conversion to put the Wids in control at 22 – 33.

The home side weren’t done yet though, and a smart diagonal kick from stand-off Lemmers was collected by wing man Firth who raced in behind the posts for a converted score.

From there, Widnes managed to see out the remaining few minutes without further incident, before the referee finally brought an end to proceedings.

Head coach Andy McIntosh said “It was great to play again after a three-weekend absence due to the weather. We were a bit rusty at times and didn’t quite finish off some chances - but we managed to get a bonus point win and keep the pressure on the top of the table.

Our distribution across the field was much improved which made a significant difference today.

This leaves us in a strong position with loads to build on and play for in the second half of the season. We will enjoy the festive break, and look to kick on early in the New Year.

I would also like to thank all our loyal supporters, the lads appreciate it every week, and we look forward to seeing them all at Bolton on the 6th January”

Widnes: A Clarke, J Krause, J Patient, R Millington, G Hatton, K Leadbetter, J Salter, M Lawton, B Mercer, D Rourke, M Garrity, J Gilhooley, K Arndell, A Breeden, T O’Neill. Reps: A Haydock, W Patient,