Wids learn lessons in Collegiate victory
WIDNES RUFC got their New Year off to the very best of starts with this victory, but they were pushed all the way by a dogged and determined Collegiate side that simply refused to throw in the towel and go away.
In the end, though, whilst the home side deserved to get something from the game albeit just a losing bonus point, the Wids cannot be anything other than delighted to have secured another maximum five-point return despite not always being at their best.
Although the season has passed its halfway point, this was the first meeting between the two sides, and would be a game that both would need to win even if it was perhaps for slightly differing reasons.
For Collegiate, it would be an opportunity for them to be the team that finally put an end to the Wids long unbeaten run, whilst for the ‘red-and-blacks’ it would simply be another case of maintaining their focus and securing the win that would keep them in top spot for another week.
The weather for the game was bright and sunny, but with a stiff, freezing cold breeze blowing in off the River Mersey.
The early exchanges were all a bit scratchy, unsurprising perhaps given the enforced three week lay-off caused by the Xmas and New Year break.
The first opportunity to put points on the board came after just ten minutes, but Collegiate stand-off Keiron Lynch was way off target with the effort from straight in front.
After absorbing some heavy pressure close to their line, successive penalties finally got the Wids moving, and went Josh
Kenyon quickly went blind, the scrum half was able to release a well-timed pass to Gavin Hatton who crossed in the corner for a try.
After 18 minutes, the Wids attacking machine was at it again, and this time it was big Sam Bryan who created a second try for Hatton which doubled their advantage on the scoreboard.
And, it was to get even better for the visitors just a minute later as Liam Lawton sliced his way through on a 40 metre dash to the line to score a try which was easily converted by Andy Owens.
Widnes then suffered the first of three yellow cards, and it wasn’t long before their defence cracked as centre Joe Bracher scored a try which was then converted by David Ruddock.
That proved to be the last action of the half as Widnes went in leading by 17-7 at the break.
The visitors made a couple of changes during the interval, with Matt Blakey and Tom Spencer making an appearance from the bench, but their main priority was to get back to a full complement of players back on the field without any further damage on the scoreboard.
That late Collegiate try though had lifted their spirits, and although the Wids had managed to keep their line intact, a second yellow card saw Ruddock convert a well struck penalty which reduced the arrears to just a converted try.
For a while after that – and with the Wids still not firing on all cylinders – they continued to be out-enthused by their opponents and they were forced into some serious defensive work in order to keep their narrow lead intact.
Finally, after 64 minutes, they were able to break free of their defensive shackles and make their way downfield for Andy Owens to convert a penalty to make it 20-10.
And, then, as had happened in the first half, the Wids attacking machine were immediately able to cut loose again from distance this time through Ryan Millington before the ball was quickly recycled to send prop forward and man-ofthe-match Justin Winstanley racing over from 20 metres for a bonus point try.
Andy Owens then added the easy conversion and the Wids could breathe a little easier at 27-10. Or could they?
The size of their advantage wouldn’t last for too long though, as Collegiate rolled up their collective sleeves and ended with prop forward Stewart Christopher crashing over for a try which was again converted by David Ruddock.
With just a few minutes left, the score had now set the scene for a potential nail-biting finale.
There was still time for a third Wids player to de despatched into the sin-bin, but not enough time for Collegiate to score the requisite number of points needed for them to grab a famous last gasp win.
They did, though, have the presence of mind to convert a late penalty in the dying seconds to earn themselves at least some reward – albeit just a losing bonus point – but, given the way the other results went, that could well be crucial come next April.
Afterwards, head coach Andy McIntosh said “It was our first game back and important to get the result after a short break. The lads did well and we just about got the bonus point win”.
He continued: “That’s about it today – the game never really got going, it was very scrappy and no fluidity with a few decisions which cost us. But, we move on and look forward to our next game at Oldham.’’
In the other senior fixtures there was disappointment for the Seconds and Thirds who both lost their respective Halbro North West Leagues fixtures.
Next up for the Wids is the first of two successive trips to Oldham. Saturday’s game will see the teams clash in the ADM Premier League, whilst the week after the teams will meet in their final Pool game of the League Cup.
Oldham were in tremendous form last season, finishing second in the table last season just behind the Wids.
Their form this season has also been good, and they continue to have two or three games in hand on most of their rivals including the Heath Road outfit. They have also qualified for the final of the Lancashire Trophy.
The ‘red-and-blacks’ know though what is expected of them as they enter this crucial phase of the campaign that could make or break their season.
In the other fixtures; the Seconds are at home to Crewe & Nantwich whilst the Thirds are also at home to Northwich.
All games kick off at 2.15pm.