Double up on Widnes
test. And it fell to Southport again courtesy of some hard work from the forwards, causing Widnes to transgress and punished by the boot of Attis.
With a gap now opening on the scoreboard, Southport kept their foot on the gas and tireless work from the front row of Ian Smith, Rob White, Tom Smith and replacement Craig Pacey pinned Widnes back and starved them of possession.
And the pressure soon told, when Sam Cross charged from midfield, sucking in the defence.
Crisp hands and Southport shipped the ball wide to Dylan Norbury, and he put in an inviting chip setting up a foot chase that full back Tom Hill won, grounding the ball before Attis added the extras from wide out.
Southport now had opened up a comfortable gap but Widnes then arguably played some of their best rugby, starving Southport of the ball and nullifying any attacks.
However, despite neither team threatening the try lines in the last quarter, Southport’s unassailable lead saw the visitors comfortably close out the game and safely over the finish line, sealing an enviable “dou- ble” over their local rivals and capping off an excellent start to the year.
Club President Graham Ellis said afterwards: “A big thank you to my counterpart at Widnes RUFC Paul Newall and his colleagues for their superb hospitality all afternoon and their grace in defeat.
“A terrific, bustling rugby club.
“Good luck to them for the rest of the season.
“Also big raps to each and everyone of the Southport lads for putting in a shift, no more so than the evergreen Ian Smith and Craig Pacey for step- ping in as last minute call-ups”.
With the depleted Seconds beating West Park seconds at home to retain top spot and the Thirds going down narrowly at Burnley seconds,as well as victories for the Colts and u18s Girls in Sunday it just shows the great depth of spirit and resolve we have throughout which stands us in good stead too.”
A real treat is in store at Waterloo Road this Saturday when one of the historic and foremost clubs in rugby union Liverpool St Helens are the visitors.
Until 1990/91 LSH regularly travelled to the likes of Bath, Gloucester, Leicester, Northampton, Saracens, Wasps. Next up....Southport!
To whet your appetite take a look at this clip featuring how LSH has adjusted to life in South Lancashire and Cheshire Division One, including an interview with club President the legendary Ray French.
http:// www. englandrugby. com/ news/ rugby- nats- liverpool- helens- finding- consistency/
It is hoped that Ray will be in attendance.
Ellis comments: “Southport RFC is very proud to be hosting a club of the stature of LSH, indeed all clubs regardless of status.
“But the game on Saturday has a special resonance being a local derby and an opportunity to put behind us the poor performance by our own high standards in losing at Moss Lane earlier in the season.”
Southport RFC thanks match day sponsors Investec and look forward to welcoming David Owen and his guests, as well as officials and members of LSH and Tarleton 2s who take on the Kick-off is 2.15pm. Get there early as it should be worth every penny.