CHAMPIONS!

They beat Aldwinians 30 - 22 in a high-octane thriller at Audenshaw Park, meaning they are now promoted into Regional 2 North West - and level 6 rugby - for the first time since 2015-16.

The game itself was an exciting affair – it ebbed and flowed throughout - with the lead changing hands several times. However, it was the visitors who were able to roll up their sleeves, particularly in that final quarter of the match, to kick on and get themselves over the finishing line.

It was a fitting reward for the players and coaches who have remained focussed and determined throughout a long and arduous season, to go on and claim the Title with an impressive playing record of 20 wins from their 22 matches.

They can now look forward to preparing for a series of new challenges – and teams – ahead of the 2024/2025 season which starts in September.

For once, the weather for the game was dry. The conditions were milder as of late, and there was even some sunshine on show. However, there was also a very strong wind blowing diagonally across the pitch to make playing conditions difficult.

It was a nervy, but nevertheless exciting opening from both sides, before successive penalties offered Kevin Leadbetter the opportunity to put his side in front after 15 minutes.

Their lead wouldn’t last long though as a super break and kick ahead from full-back Alex Hughes ended with Tom Hughes touching down wide out for an excellent try.

Playing against the elements, the Wids were now finding both possession and field position hard to come by as Aldwinians piled on the pressure, so it was hardly a surprise as the home side added a second try through Rhys Innes, along with the conversion from Sam Farrell to make it 12 – 3.

The visitors were then able to get their hands on some meaningful possession, but time and again they were being met by some strong and determined ‘Winnies defence.

But their momentum was building, and when the home team lost a player into the sin-bin, that proved to be the catalyst to get Jack Krause over for a crucial try.

Four minutes later, more great work from Mike Garrity – who was again outstanding throughout – laid the platform to get Jamie Patient crashing over for a try.

So, from trailing by nine points, the Wids finally ended the half leading by 15pts – 12.

Widnes introduced Arnie Haydock and Allan Breeden at the break, but the second half did not start well for the visitors as ‘Winnies scored an early pushover try from Rubin Holland which was converted by Farrell to put the home side in front once again.

Just five minutes later though, a strong run down centre field from Alan Breeden got Widnes close enough for Arnie Haydock to get himself over the line for a try and restore the lead for the ‘red-and-blacks’ albeit by the narrowest of margins.

Widnes then lost influential stand-off Kevin Leadbetter through injury, and he was replaced by Alex Jones.

Then, it was Aldwinians turn, and when Sam Farrell booted over a penalty, the home side were back in front once again at 22 – 20.

Next, it was the Wids turn to respond as Arnie Haydock showed great hands to send Jamie Patient racing over for his second try of the afternoon and make it 25 – 22 in favour of the visitors.

Six minutes later, it would get even better for the Heath Road outfit, as another of the Wids in-form players, Keiron Arndell, showed both strength and determination to crash over to score his fifth try in as many games and give his side an eight-point advantage.

With the clock ticking down, ‘Winnies threw everything they could at the Wids in an effort to get back into the contest, but it was left to a timely interception and 70 metre dash from Jack Krause to finally blunt the home side’s challenge.

Winnies did threaten on a couple of other occasions, but they were having to force the pace now, which ultimately led to them making mistakes allowing the visitors to see out the remainder of the contest and rightfully claim the title of ‘Champions’

Head coach Andy McIntosh said afterwards “A fantastic day for the lads, the coaches, supporters and for the whole club. Today was about the lads delivering and securing the League Title - Champions!!!!

It was nervy and the lead changed hands throughout, but in that last quarter the lads had enough desire to secure that vital win.

The attention will now switch to the Cup game and our next challenge. But the lads will enjoy this one and it is well deserved - a huge squad effort over the season to earn promotion.

Thank you to all our loyal support once again as we finish on the top of the league”.

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