Southport 31 - 32 Widnes

The Wids got their noses in front at 15 minutes and were never behind in the game from that point; but it was thanks to an awesome second half defensive effort that they progress into the next round of the Lancashire Cup.
After 5 minutes play and having not touched the ball, Widnes found themselves 5 points down. Southport taking advantage of repeat offside penalties to cross in the corner. On the quarter hour mark Alex Jones landed the second of 2 clinically struck penalties to give Widnes a slender 1 point lead at 6-5.
Allan Breeden crossed for the Wids first try of the afternoon, the beneficiary of an excellent line-out take from Tom Whitfield. Breeden saw the gap in the Southport defence and beat 3 would be defenders to cross at the side of the posts, Jones added the extras.
Breeden and Whitfield combined well again to create the next Widnes try. A blindside run and kick ahead from scrum half Jones was chased and collected by Breeden, who moved the ball to the supporting Whitfield, who in turn found Will Johnson. The winger was brought down just before the line with Whitfield on hand to collect the ball and finish in the corner.
At 20-5 and with 10 minutes of the first half remaining the Wids looked good for their lead and had every right to feel confident about closing the game out. The exchanges up to this point had been even with the Wids looking a bit more clinical in attack. Southport had played some excellent rugby in both the forwards and the backs, running strong and building pressure when in possession, and looked capable of scoring.
Another offside penalty by Widnes gifted Southport some good field position. The well organised Southport pack set up a catch and drive, that the Widnes forwards were just too slow to react to, and scored in the corner. The missed conversion meant that Widnes still had a little breathing space.
Five minutes later came another penalty and another line out in an almost identical position. This time the Widnes pack were ready and prevented the drive to the line; but fast hands and good lines of running and Southport were over again in the opposite corner.
With a score line of 20-17 at the break, and with Southport finding a way to score, the Wids were going to have to hold their nerve if they wanted to win this one.
Minutes into the second half Widnes were back on the score sheet. Good play in the pack from Dom Oxley and Sean Glover paved the way for Breeden to register his second of the afternoon. Determined running from 20 metres out saw him cut his way through the defence to increase the Wids advantage. Jones slotting over the extras.
Once again due to having only 15 players available, Widnes had to start the second half with 14 players because of an injury, only getting back up to a full compliment with 6 minutes of it played. At 8 minutes they were back down to 14 having been shown a yellow card after being repeatedly penalised.
At this point the game changed completely. Widnes struggled to win any further possession, and were stuck in their own half, and for long periods couldn’t get out of their 22. Pressure told in the end and Southport were back within 3 points, at 27-24, having scored a converted try under the sticks.
Wave after wave of attack followed, Southport combined well using both forwards and backs to try and break through the Widnes defence. Widnes turned ball over and kicked forward in an attempt to clear their lines, but Southport returned it well putting pressure straight back on the Widnes line.
Such a prolonged spell defending eventually took its toll and for the last 10 minutes Widnes were once more reduce to 14 because of an injury. The much bigger Southport pack threw everything that they had at the line. When the ball was released to the backs, whether it was Widnes defensive pressure, or just trying to force the play, they made errors allowing Widnes the opportunity to regroup.
With just a few minutes remaining, and for only the second time in the half Widnes managed to get into Southport territory. Strong and direct running by Breeden and Will Patient resulted in Tom Whitfield once again popping up in support to score a try completely against the run of second half play. Jones failed with the conversion attempt.
Southport were not finished and almost immediately from the restart turned the ball over, and went and scored again themselves. The successful conversion put them 1 point behind at 32-31. With only seconds to play after the restart Widnes did enough to claim the victory.
A monumental effort in defence from every single player in black and red was how this game was won. Southport tried everything they could to get in front but the Wids were having none of it. They stuck to their task and got their reward; despite the best efforts of a well organised and well disciplined opposition. Good luck in the next round lads 