Colts serve up a thriller!

Basking in sunshine Widnes welcomed Sale to Heath Road in what turned out to be a match that went to the wire.

Widnes came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders and were unlucky not to capitalize on a 15 minute period where they had most of the possession and put Sale on the back foot. Sale, who were pound for pound heavier in all areas of the park looked shell shocked. But regrouped to score first with a well worked try generated by face paced straight running and good support play.

Widnes rallied and Allan Breeden led the charge with a powerful run to get over the line. Sale regained their composure and scored two more tries from deep in quick succession. With powerful forwards and a gifted number 9 they controlled the game. Sale led 17 – 5 at half time.

They continued to dominate scoring a further try and with the wind behind them they kicked their way down the pitch to keep Widnes in their 22. Widnes might have been on the ropes but they weren’t out. Andy Owens showed a spark of genius and quick thinking with a chip and chase he broke through the Sale line and scored a great individual try, which he duly converted, 22 – 12 to Sale. Widnes tasted blood and regained their swagger, Alex Jones displayed some sublime kicking skills which even the Sale supporters applauded and Allan Breeden powered through to set up Jamie Patient who ran at speed to secure more points. The score now stood at 22 – 19 to Sale and it was game on with 5 minutes left.

Widnes pushed but it wasn’t to be. The Sale forwards with their size and strength powered through to score in the last minute of the match to secure the victory. The game had been physical, played at 100mph. Sale were well drilled and a class act but Widnes did not embarrass themselves and had punched above their weight for the majority of the game.

Widnes might have been the underdogs, but they nearly got away with it. Perhaps if a few players had got to bed earlier! The result would have been ours? The Widnes Colts represented themselves and the club proudly today, they gave it their all and Sale left Heath Road knowing they had to earn the result today. Good luck to Sale in the Colts League Cup Final against Kirkby Lonsdale.

We wish a speedy recovery to Tom Whitfield, Jack Jolly and Robert Cooke.

Coach’s mentions were given to a number of players, but MOM was awarded to Alex Jones with Allan Breeden as the runner-up.