Not only that, but they also secured an additional bonus point which could be ever so important come the end of season rankings in mid - April.

Ultimately, this victory for the 'red-and-blacks' means that have been able to add a bit more distance between themselves and the teams currently beneath them. It also adds extra significance to this weekend's important home game with Eccles.

The visitors did have a couple of their missing experienced players back for the game including Keiron Arndell and Kevin Leadbetter, whilst Liam Lawton rolled back the years with his first appearance on the wing for a while.

The weather for the game at Burrows Hill was grey and overcast, but it was dry with little or no wind. However, it was freezing cold.

Unsurprisingly, because of the two-week break, the handling from both teams in the early stages was a bit laxed, although the visitors were quickest out of the blocks, as Mike Jones crossed for their opening try after just five minutes after a Park line out had gone wrong near their own line.

With Kevin Leadbetter on target with the conversion, the Wids led 7 - nil.

On the quarter hour, the visitors had a player despatched to the sin-bin and the trusty boot of stand-off Cameron Flanagan did the rest as he converted the subsequent penalty to reduce the arrears.

At this stage, there were lots of penalties being awarded to both teams which gave the game something of a stop-start feel about it. However, Widnes were not without opportunities and Nathan Chandler went close as he followed up Kevin Leadbetter's chip ahead.

It took until the 34th minute, before Mike Jones was able reprise his role on the opposite flank, as he crossed for his second score, with Kevin Leadbetter adding a booming touchline conversion to make it 14 - 3.

The visitors then had some serious defending to do in the run up to half time, but they were able to see out the final few minutes without any further damage to the scoreboard.

The Wids brought on Arnie Haydock at half time, and they were able to get themselves off to a great start as Mike Jones - following a midfield break down centre field by Will Patient - crossed to complete his hat-trick.

Leadbetter was again on target to extend their lead to 21 - 3.

Ten minutes later, super-sub Arnie Haydock was in action as he crossed for one of his trade mark tries as he barged over from close range and give the Wids that all important bonus point. With Leadbetter once more on target with the conversion, the advantage had now extended out to 28pts - 3.

Park weren't done yet though, and continued to do everything they could to re-establish themselves into the contest.

However, the Wids defence remained strong, and it took a second yellow card on 63 minutes to give the home side an opportunity to find some extra room and add a converted try.

Fortunately, the Wids response was positive and immediate.

A strong midfield break from Tom O'Neill ended with the ball finding its way into the hands of wing man Nathan Chandler who was able to run in behind the posts for a great try.

Another Kevin Leadbetter conversion made the score 35 - 10 in favour of the Wids.

Park did have the final say by adding a late, converted score, to round off proceedings.

Head coach Andy McIntosh said afterwards "It was great to start 2025 with the same energy and spirit showed in our last outing prior to the Xmas break.

Today, that continued spirit drove the right performance and we ran out with a bonus point win in a game which I thought we controlled well.

At times it was a bit scrappy in the first half, as you expect after a break, but overall there was some real good intent and purpose in our rugby. After the half time break we made less errors with ball in hand at the ruck and finished off some good phases of play.

I thought our defence was strong throughout which frustrated Winnington, and we came up with some really good turnovers to stop any dangerous attacks.

We are happy with our efforts on the road today and we look forward to our next challenge at home against Eccles. Those games are always keenly contested and it is a great opportunity to really build on this week and progress further in this league”.

Widnes: L George, L Lawton, C Feeley, T Spencer, N Chandler, K Leadbetter, G Hatton, D Rourke, P Makles, S Whitty, M Garrity, K Arndell, M Jones, W Patient, T O’Neill. Reps: A Haydock, R Hamlett, M Walker.