It was an outstanding result for the Wids who are now in fifth place in the league and highlights the progress they are continuing to make since suffering a heavy home defeat against the same opposition back in round two of the competition.

For Vale, they must have been left thinking how did they let this one slip after a whirlwind first half that saw them score four tries and secure a bonus point.

They did, though, fail to appreciate the dogged, determined and terrier like approach from the ‘red-and-blacks’ namely to both stay in the contest, but then going on to defend their line as though their lives depended on it, and having both the energy and enthusiasm to make their way up field to grab a late try to seal victory.

And they did all that, with two players – Rob Cooke and Simon Hicks - making their debuts, and another – Adam Watson - starting in the senior XV for the first time this season.

It was a team performance of epic proportions, and one that sets them up nicely for their final match of 2025 on Saturday against Firwood Waterloo at Heath Road.

The weather for the game was generally dark and overcast mixed in with some weak winter sunshine and a stiff chilly breeze. The pitch though was in great condition and ideal for some free-flowing rugby.

As the game got underway, the home side were quickly out of the blocks to record an early fourth minute score from Sam Wallbank who crashed over from close range for a converted try.

The Wids were able to respond four minutes later, when Liam McGovern kicked a penalty to open their account.

Three minutes later, a Hall break was finished off by Kurt Gledhill with the conversion effort this time going wide of the mark.

After fifteen minutes, McGovern stroked over another penalty to keep his side in touch at 12 – 6.

In what was rapidly becoming a frantic opening first quarter, a diagonal kick from Hall was then swooped upon by Dan Leighton who scored Vale’s third try of the afternoon.

Five minutes later, a great McGovern touch finder laid the platform for the Wids forwards to get to work, enabling Charlie Feeley to cross the line for a converted score.

Vale weren’t done yet though, and they were immediately able to capitalise on a Wids error as full back Ryan Busby crossed for a bonus point try.

After that, a minor bout of fisticuffs earned both captain’s a telling off from the official.

On 33 minutes, things did eventually come right for the visitors, as some quick thinking allowed Tom O’Neill to take full advantage and cross the line for a try.

Liam McGovern’s successful conversion then made the score 22 – 20 which was how things remained until half time.

After absorbing everything that Vale had thrown at them in that first period, the Wids remained highly optimistic that they could still get something from this game, despite being behind on the scoreboard.

An early dash from Ciaron O’Donnell got them off to a decent start, whilst there was a run and smart out the back door pass from Craig Lawton.

After that, the next ten minutes or so all became a bit scrappy, with plenty of errors and neither side really respecting possession.

Liam Lawton then replaced Gavin Hatton meaning a bit of a re-shuffle in the visitors ranks.

Penalties then started to hurt the away team as Vale really began to turn the screw. But the Wids defence continued to remain resolute and steadfast.

Then, after defending for such a long time – and Vale unable to find a way through – the Wids were suddenly able to summon up those necessary extra reserves of energy and make their way up field and lay siege to their opponent’s line.

After going through the phases, the ball was eventually spread out wide along the backline with Tom Spencer eventually taking the final pass and dive over in the corner for a try that put his team into the lead for the first time.

In a frantic last few minutes, Widnes should then have scored again to make the game safe. This was followed by another bout of fisticuffs which earned a player from each side a trip to the sin-bin.

A series of Vale penalties then followed to get them to within range, but the ‘red-and-blacks’ were in no mood for compromise, tackling everything that moved and leaving their opponents with nowhere else to go.

A delighted Head coach Liam McGovern said afterwards “Today was all about enforcing our game plan onto the opposition and being brave enough to implement it.

Vale of Lune is always a tough place to go and win but all eighteen players and staff were outstanding and thoroughly deserved the victory.

Special mention must also go to the three players making their First Team debuts this season, and it was certainly a memorable one to mark the occasion.

This win now sets us up for a big game next week against Firwood Waterloo at home, and both the club and I would welcome all supporters to get down to Heath Road, fill the terraces, and cheer the lads on as they always do.”

Widnes: C O’Donnell, B Finch, J Patient, R Cooke, T Spencer, L McGovern, G Hatton, D Rourke, A Watson, M Garrity, C Lawton, S Bryan, M Jones, C Feeley, T O’Neill (c). Reps: S Whitty, L Lawton, S Hicks.