Sadly, though, they were beaten by Congleton 19 – 16, who now move forward into the final where they will take on St Edwards who also won their own semi-final to set up a winner takes all contest later in the season.

Fo Widnes, the defeat ended their recent excellent run of form, which saw them claim the Division 2 North league title last weekend, and prevented what could have seen them claim a tremendous league and cup ‘double’

Congleton arrived at Heath Road with a huge pack of forwards at their disposal, which they used to significant effect, particularly during the first sixty minutes when most of the damage was done.

The visitors had much the better of the early exchanges before Matty Walker kicked his side into the lead with a penalty.

Successive penalties then got Congleton close to the Widnes line from where their big pack got to work to score a push over try.

On the half hour mark, Widnes failed with a couple of difficult, long-range penalties, before succeeding at the third time of asking.
That sent the home side in at the break leading by 6pts - 5.

Widnes needed a positive start to the second half, but instead they suffered a double blow as they had a player sent to the sin bin before then conceding a penalty try.

When the home side had another player sent to the bin, Congleton responded with another converted try to make it 6 - 19.

Widnes then pulled a try back on the hour mark when Sam Fitzsimon went over for a five pointer.

After going close on a couple more occasions, Widnes then suffered a hammer blow as the referee produced a red card to dismiss a player from the field.

Despite having to play out the remainder of the game with only fourteen players, they were able to set up a grandstand finish as Enelaki Faataape went over for a try in the corner.

From there, they did have opportunities to win the game right at the death, but a lack of composure near the line enabled Congleton to see out the final minutes and claim a well-earned victory.

The Seconds must now get back to the job in hand and finish the season on a high by winning their final two league matches starting with a game against Liverpool St Helens on Saturday.