WIDNES BOUNCE BACK

It was the perfect response following the disappointment of the home defeat against Eccles a fortnight previous.

In difficult and testing conditions, they scored six tries and five conversions to lead 40pts - nil, before the hosts replied with two converted tries in the closing minutes.

The Wids can now head off to Warrington with a spring back in their step ahead of a potential 'winner takes all' challenge with in-form Wilmslow on 2nd March.

The weather for the game was grey and overcast, with a stiff breeze blowing straight down the pitch as kick off time approached.

Despite the conditions - and what was a very heavy pitch - the 'red-and-blacks' were quickly out of the blocks, and they had a try on the board inside the first ninety seconds as Jamie Patient crossed in the far corner.

Kevin Leadbetter then booted over a super touchline conversion to put them seven points to the good.

It got even better after eight minutes, when smart work across the backline saw fullback Jack Krause link up to score in the almost exact same position.

Once again, the trusty boot of Leadbetter did the rest to extend the visitors lead to fourteen points.

After that, though, it was Tarleton's turn to apply some pressure as they went through the phases in an effort to get back on terms. But the Wids scrambling defence was in determined mood to ensure that the hosts left empty handed.

As the rain began to fall, the conditions became even more difficult to play in. The Wids did miss out on several other try scoring opportunities. But given the difficult conditions, going into the break with a 14-point advantage was more than a satisfactory return for their efforts.

The visitors re-shuffled their line-up at half-time and introduced Allan Breeden, Justin Winstanley and Alex Jones.

And the good times continued at the beginning of the second period.

They did start by missing out of another couple of early opportunities, before the ever-willing Mike Garrity - who had a great game throughout - exploited a huge hole in the Tarleton defence to stroll over the line for an easy try which was goaled by Kevin Leadbetter.

It got even better for the Wids just six minutes later, as quick hands sent in Jamie Patient for his second score, which also provided the visitors with that much needed and all-important additional four try bonus point.

Kevin Leadbetter then maintained his 100% record by booting over another impressive conversion.

Widnes then suffered a yellow card which allowed Tarleton to pile on the pressure once again as they sought to finally open their account, but their defensive line was in no mood to surrender just yet, and instead were soon able to turn defence into attack once again.

Breaking free of those defensive shackles, it was Alex Jones who was sent on his way before smartly kicking ahead. The same player then followed up with a super tackle creating the opportunity to regain possession where more silky handling sent in Jack Krause for his second try of the afternoon.

This time, Kevin Leadbetter was narrowly off target with the conversion, but by this time the Wids were 33 points to the good and already assured of victory.

Despite their big lead, the visitors weren't yet finished and just minutes later, wing man Gavin showed a clean pair of heels as he raced 35 metres for another great try.

Normal service was then resumed as Kevin Leadbetter once again converted in style to bring up the forty points on the scoreboard.

To their credit, Tarleton had the better of the latter stages of the game and were able to add two well taken converted tries to round off the scoring for the afternoon.

Head coach Andy McIntosh said afterwards " In very wet and heavy conditions we played some very good rugby today. We started well and then really defended our goal line with enthusiasm when Tarleton started to put the pressure on.

Full credit to the lads for the effort in that defence, and the skill level on display to create some quality scores. To keep the home side to nil points for 70 minutes was impressive and it was the perfect reaction after our last outing.

We will continue to work hard as we enter the final stretch of the season”.

Widnes: J Krause, G Hatton, J Patient, L Lawton, T Spencer, K Leadbetter, J Salter, D Rourke, B Mercer, A Haydock, M Garrity, K Arndell, M Jones, W Patient, T O'Neill (c) Reps: J Winstanley, A Breeden, A Jones.