Wids 3rds started strongly at Liverpool St Helens. Following sustained forward pressure, Les Whitfield produced a trademark dummy to race in from 15 metres, captain Neil Street adding the extras. Further pressure by the visitors resulted in a penalty 40 metres out. Street’s effort, however, drifted wide. This seemed to give the hosts renewed confidence as they built pressure and the Wids defence eventually cracked. With the vastly experienced Preston and Whitfield forced to leave the field with 1st half injuries, the home side took the upper hand and turned round 12-7 ahead.

Street rallied his troops and Widnes fought a strong rear-guard action, with Ian Leadbetter and Mark Loughnane leading some strong counter attacks. LSH however, freshened by half time substitutes, proved too strong and a late score gave them a 27-7 victory. The hosts, however, knew they had been in a tough game.

Next week the Wids host Ruskin Park on Prescott Road.