Rain turns out to be the only winner at Widnes

WIDNES put in a sensational performance to see off the challenge of high flying Burnage in the first round of the Lancashire Cup at Heath Road.

Make no mistake; this was a result of epic proportions for the Wids, in what turned out to be a terrific and entertaining game of rugby.

Not only did the victory propel them into the semi-final of the more senior competition; it also represented an outstanding team performance against a talented side from a higher level who were well drilled and well structured.

The result would also have sent out a message to the other clubs in the ADM Premier League, that last season’s treble winning performance was no fluke, and that they still have the ability, appetite and desire to do it all again when the league action commences on September 14.

Fortunately, the heavy mid-morning rain finally gave way to bright but very breezy conditions as kick-off approached.

And, it was the Wids who had much the better of the early exchanges, taking the lead after just five minutes when Matty Lawton crashed over from close range for a try which was goaled by Andy Owens.

The home side did have other chances to expand on their lead but they failed to take advantage and Burnage were soon back on level terms as some scrappy defence allowed Jordan Chappell to score a try which was converted by the trusty boot of Rhys Evans.

Further scoring opportunities then went missing for both teams.

There was some smart work on show from Burnage full-back James Clark to diffuse a difficult situation, whilst a low level long range touch finder from Kevin Leadbetter got the red-and-blacks close to be followed by a half break from Josh Paton which ultimately came to nothing.

There was a chance for Andy Owens to kick his team into the lead with a penalty, but the effort in the

ONCE again the weather was a vital factor in the outcome of the match between Widnes and Toft.

Fortunately the wicket was dry, having being covered, but the match was reduced to 30 per side - given the time lost to the mopping up operations. Toft won the toss and, mindful of further weather interruptions, decided to bowl first.

Moore and McCoy again opened, with Burns seeking to prove his fitness in the second team, and the experienced Kirby unavailable. McCoy was in no mood to hang about and, given the need to score quick runs, this was a situation for him to relish.

Unfortunately having made a run a ball he was caught behind off the bowling of Scott. The run machine, Johnathan Campbell, joined Moore and the sizable band of Widnes supporters looked forward to a chase for quick runs.

They were not to be disappointed.

The fifty came up in just the ninth over and the next

And, fortunately that happened to be the visitors, as an error from the re-start allowed Widnes to set up camp close to their opponents line.

This was followed by a mighty effort in the scrum from where the outstanding Kenyon went blind before releasing Gavin Hatton who scampered over in the corner.

Owens’ touchline conversion attempt – had it been successful - would have sealed the win, but as it was, the effort just missed the target.

So it remained a seven point ball game and a late converted try for the visitors would have been enough to send them through. But, as it was, a master class from the Wids pack was enough to starve their opponents of fifty in just under a further seven overs. Moore was playing shots all round the wicket and brought up his 50 in 64 balls. His partner, Campbell, continued his fine run scoring form and was particularly savage on the bowling of Scott and Dunkerley.

His fifty came off just 37 balls, including four fours and three sixes. His third century in four innings looked assured before he was deceived by Dunlerley and was well caught by Blakely for 79.

With the score on 150, Shabaz Bashir joined Moore and quickly stamped his presence on the game. possession along with any possibility of the win.

In the end, it was left to a delighted Leadbetter to boot the ball out of play to end the game and secure a famous victory.

Afterwards, a delighted Head coach Andy McIntosh said: “What a game! We couldn’t have asked for any more from the lads.

“We knew we needed a committed performance and they delivered.

“Our defence was superb, our discipline was outstanding and we took our chances when they came along.

“It was a complete performance and we got what we deserved which we will take forward into our league campaign. Driving, and cutting fluently, he quickly took the score to 193 before Moore was dismissed for a well made 60. Bashir added only one more run before being bowled by Scott for 36. The Widnes innings ended in the 30th oversetting Toft a total of 198 to win.

The Toft inning began under grey skies and found the Widnes attack of Parkinson and youngster Aaron Soni difficult to score quickly from.

Drummond became Soni’s first victim with the score on 31 and he followed that up two balls later having Sehmi smartly caught by Tom Evans for 0.

Opener Forster looked largely untroubled but Toft captain James Lomas’ stay was brief after he was dismissed by Majeed for eight.

His dismissal brought the hard hitting James Scott to the crease and he set about the Widnes bowling with purpose. However, he could not score quickly enough as Toft still required 98 more runs with only eight overs remaining. At this point, the heavens opened again and the umpires ended play deeming the outfield was unfit for play to resume.

Widnes gained 11 points with Toft grabbing seven.