Thirds earn a thrilling win

FOLLOWING on from an enforced absence for the first and second XVs, it was the turn of Widnes thirds to take centre stage last weekend – and this time they did not fail their audition as they edged home 24-17 in an exciting quarter-final cup-tie against Ellesmere Port.

It was sweet revenge for the home side, who had suffered only their second league defeat of the season over on the Wirral peninsula just a fortnight previous.

Whilst Ellesmere Port comfortably won that game, this one could have gone either way, before the home side came roaring back in the final few minutes to claim victory in what had been an absorbing contest.

Widnes took the lead with an unconverted Chris Hall try but trailed at the break 7-5 before re-establishing their advantage with a second score.

Back came Ellesmere Port to regain the initiative, before a strong finish saw the home side add two last-gasp tries along with a conversion from man-of-the-match Josh Salter to finally get themselves over the finishing line. ● WIDNES’S first-team return to normal duties this weekend where they have an intriguing clash across the Irish Sea against Douglas on the Isle of Man.

The Manx outfit have been the team to beat for much of the season and currently lie in second place in the table, 10 points behind the pacesetters, Manchester.

They, do, however, have two games in hand so could easily claw back that deficit if they reproduce the kind of form in an impressive showing last time out at Bowdon.

Widnes are well aware that this trip to the Isle of Man will be another tough outing – however, they will go into the game with plenty of confidence.

Although they lost at home to Manchester a fortnight ago, they can take comfort from the fact that they already have a win under their belts against the Manx Men, having put an end to their opponents’ eight-match unbeaten run at Heath Road with a thrilling 31-24 triumph back in November. The game on Saturday afternoon kicks-off at 3pm.