Wids enjoy scoring spree to stay at top
OSWESTRY .................................. 13 WIDNES........................................ 54
WIDNES made the trip to the very picturesque Granville Park to take on newly-promoted Oswestry in South Lancs/Cheshire One.
Both sides were missing players for the game, and whilst Oswestry were keen to open their account after a disappointing loss against Manchester Medics, the v visitors were equally keen to make it two-from-two following their comfortable opening day v victory over Wigan.
As it was, whilst Oswestry were full of enthusiasm throughout and never gave up, Widnes were able to cut loose when it really mattered to hit their opponents w where it hurt – on the scoreboard – to go on and claim another bonus point victory which keeps them at the top of the table.
Widnes kicked-off, but it was the home side that had all of the possession and field position in the opening exchanges.
When Widnes did break free, there were attacking runs from both Tom Spencer and Chris Schofield which could have produced more.
On 13 minutes though, Widnes got their noses in front as Oswestry failed to find touch from a penalty, which eventually led to exciting young prop forw ward prospect Jacob Coole-Healey showing both pace and power as he raced clear for a debut try in senior colours.
Josh Kenyon added the extras to put the Wids into a 7-0 lead.
Almost immediately, the visitors were penalised for handling in the ruck, and a successful kick reduced the deficit to just four points.
Widnes were showing a distinct lack of composure and respect for possession at this point by trying to force the pace and making mistakes when a more patient approach would easily have paid more dividends.
As it was, there was a timely interception from Dave Welsh, and, although the centre was hauled back, the ball was quickly swung out wide where Gareth Riley’s lovely inside pass sent in wing man James Butler for a try. The trusty boot of Kenyon did the rest to give the visitors a 14-3 advantage.
After 24 minutes, Oswestry missed with a second penalty attempt and then Widnes number eight, Joe Galloway was forced to leave the field with a collar bone injury.
The next Widnes score wasn’t long in coming though, and this time, Welsh made no mistake as he intercepted another long pass to race clear to score a try converted once against by Kenyon.
Just a few moments later, Widnes attacked again, and this time, Aaron Duggan was on hand to show a clean pair of heels to score another try to which Kenyon also added the extras.
Almost straight away, Schofield – who had a great game throughout – was next to break free, and his timely pass found Welsh in support who crossed for his second try. With Kenyon bringing his kicking boots with him, the visitors were suddenly over 30 points to the good with half-time approaching.
There was still time though, for a Widnes player to be despatched to the sin-bin for 10 minutes, whilst Oswestry converted the subsequent penalty from wide out to make it 35-6 in Widnes’s favour at the break.
The home side missed a glorious opportunity at the start of the second half with the line wide open, and that miss was soon to be punished as all action Tom McMuldroch raced clear for another try which was also converted by Kenyon.
Eventually, Oswestry were rewarded when a fine spell of play resulted in them being awarded a penalty try following a high tackle which resulted in another visiting player being sent to warm his heels for 10 minutes on the touchline.
Normal service was soon to be resumed though, as McMuldroch made another break which allowed captain for the day, Mike Jones to pick up and score.
This time, Kenyon’s attempted conversion hit the upright and bounced out.
After Oswestry had bombed another try scoring opportunity, it was left to another of the Wids new breed, Jamie Patient, to make a clean break, allowing McMuldroch to send Butler in at the corner for his second try which brought up the half-century of points.
And, if that wasn’t enough, Kenyon then converted in style from the touchline to wrap up a job well done for the visitors.
Afterwards, head coach, Lee McDermott, said: “With so many players missing, it was a great opportunity for the lads who came in to impress, and they did just that.
“Jamie Patient, Jacob CooleHealey, Callum Isbell, James Butler, Mitch Dyas along with Aaron Duggan, all performed well and will give us a real headache in selection”.
He added: “You can’t do any better that start the season with two bonus point victories, and Saturday’s big game cannot arrive quickly enough.”
In the other senior games, there were also wins for the second and third teams against Dukinfield and Anselmians. It means they both remain unbeaten and at the top of their respective league tables.
It is the battle of the big guns this weekend, when leaders Widnes take on second-placed Broughton Park at Heath Road. And, how the fortunes of both clubs have changed since last April!
Then, the two met at Heath Road on the last day of the campaign already knowing that both teams had been relegated from North One West. With the unenviable title of the ‘wooden spoon’ at stake, Widnes were able to regroup enough to win the game by 40-17, leaving the South Manchester side to end the season staring up at the rest.
Park maintained their 100% record last weekend with an impressive 82 point whitewash against Wigan, whilst Lee McDermott’s side cannot have done the job any better by securing two maximum bonus points wins from their opening two fixtures to sit proudly at the top of the pile.
The game kicks-off at 3pm.