1st XV
Matches
Sat 21 Sep 2019  ·  ADM Premier Division
Widnes RUFC
1st XV
34
8
Oldham
THE CASE FOR THE DEFENCE

THE CASE FOR THE DEFENCE

Stephen Clark22 Sep 2019 - 01:36
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Reigning Champions, Widnes, turned in an almost complete performance as they put Oldham to the sword in the battle of the big guns at Heath Road.

And, whilst their attack was clinical and direct, it was their outstanding defence throughout the full eighty minutes which proved to be the cornerstone of this impressive win.

Everything that Oldham managed to throw at the Wids defence - particularly in an impressive opening quarter - was repelled, and by the end, they were simply left with nowhere to go as the red-and-blacks marched on to another important bonus point victory.

Moreover, it also means that they have now been unbeaten in the league for over 12 months – which is an impressive statistic in anyone’s language.

Once again, the conditions for the game were almost perfect; the pitch was bathed in pleasant, warm sunshine, although there was a strong breeze blowing as kick off time approached.

Given the magnitude of the contest, it was hardly surprising that there were a few handling errors from both teams during the early exchanges.

It was the away team though who always looked the more dangerous, but their only reward was a successful penalty kick from John McEwan after ten minutes play.

Widnes should then have got their noses in front following a Liam Lawton break, but they were soon back on level terms as fullback Andy Owens converted a penalty to make it 3 – 3.

Oldham then cut loose from distance and should have scored, but a knock on close to the line amid some decent scrambling defence in the process denied them the opportunity.

The visitors continued to remain on top but they just could not find a way through the home side’s water tight defence.

Finally, after absorbing a whole load of pressure, the Wids were finally able to break free of their defensive duties, and some slick handling amongst their back division freed up Andy Owens who was able to dummy his way through a flat footed defence to score a try which he also converted to make it 10 – 3.

The visitors then lost a player to the sin-bin, and again Widnes were able to take full advantage as quick hands got wing man Josh Paton in for another five pointer with Owens again converting.

Although two scores adrift, Oldham were still looking dangerous, and it took a long range touch finder from Owens, as well as a vital steal from a lineout close to the Wids line, to finally blunt the visitors resolve as the half time whistle sounded.

A defensive mix-up from a high kick at the start of the second half provided Oldham with some early hope. But, once again they continued to be denied by a keen and ever willing home defence.

Indeed, as the half wore on, Oldham’s inability to secure an early break through, began to make it look like perhaps it just wasn’t going to be their day, and with the reds-and-blacks ability to suddenly be able to turn defence into attack, it always looked likely that they would be the side to score next.

And, that was how it turned out, although initially they had to make do with another Andy Owens penalty which increased their advantage to 17 points.

From there, it had to be Oldham who scored next. Instead, it was the home side who twisted the knife once more as prop forward Arnie Haydock combined with Pawel Makles in a planned move from the lineout to get the hooker over for a try much to the delight of the players and home supporters alike.

Not content with that, Andy Owens then booted over yet another touchline conversion to make the game safe at 27pts – 3.

The closing minutes then saw Widnes also lose a player into the sin-bin, and almost immediately Oldham scored a try through Luke Roscoe who burrowed his way over from close range.

There was still time for a brief bout of fisticuffs which earned both captain’s a stern warning from the referee, before Ryan Millington’s break and pass saw Josh Salter’s effort chalked off for a forward pass.

The home side were not going to be denied for long though, and more smart work created the opportunity for Captain Kevin Leadbetter to reach out and score.

As if to add insult to injury, Andy Owens then booted over the difficult long range conversion attempt to finally wrap up proceedings and secure a vital win even at this early stage of the season.

A delighted Head coach Andy McIntosh said afterwards “I thought the lads were outstanding today. Oldham came to disrupt and turn us over but we defended well and took our chances. Not many teams will take five points from them this season”.

He continued “It was a real forwards orientated game and a few lads really stood up to the challenge. With lots of changes in the starting line up – it was a real overall squad performance. We have had a great start to the year and so far so good”.

Match details

Match date

Sat 21 Sep 2019

Kickoff

15:00

Competition

ADM Premier Division

League position

2
Widnes
9
Oldham
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

League sponsor - ADM
Club Sponsor - Boydell Sports
Advertiser - Cheshire Bathrooms and Tiles
Advertiser - David M Robinson
Match sponsor - Enzo-CCA
Match sponsor - ESL Electromech
Club Sponsor - Gerrard O'Donnell
Advertiser - Heineken
Club Sponsor - John Geddes (Cycles) Ltd
Club Sponsor - Landscape World
Club Sponsor - Law 4 All
Club Sponsor - Michael C Adams
Club sponsor - Merseyflow
 Match Sponsor - Morbaine Properties Ltd
Match Sponsor - North West Contracts
Advertiser - O'Neills