Wids secure derby day bragging rights
WIDNES claimed the derby day spoils, as well as the local bragging rights, after they secured an outstanding 31-14 win against the auld enemy.
In a game brought forward 24 hours and played under floodlights because of the RL Grand Final, this was a quality game between arguably two of the best sides in the competition.
It also proved to be a great advert for the quality of rugby union in the ADM Premier League.
On balance, Widnes probably deserved the win, but they were pushed all the way by a determined Moss Lane outfit who battled hard before finally losing out to a late penalty try that ultimately left them with no way back.
This bonus point victory, their second in a week, lifts Widnes into second place in the table, just behind unbeaten leaders Didsbury, whom they still have to face again at Heath Road in midDecember.
Against this backdrop then, this was a game that neither side could really afford to lose.
But, who managed to get themselves off to a great start as the visitors failed to deal with a Tom Spencer up and under who was able to follow up and collect before releasing the pass which ended with Will Patient racing in behind the posts for a try.
Kevin Leadbetter added the extras to make the score 7-0.
From there, the home could have added more points, but when they failed to do so, the visitors were able to clear their lines before they too had a couple of chances that went begging close to the Wids line.
After 20 minutes, Matty Wood converted a penalty for the visitors to open their account, before he then repeated the dose on the half hour mark to reduce the deficit to just a single point.
Not to be outdone, though, the home side came roaring back immediately, and a fine individual effort from Tom Spencer who showed both strength and determination on his way to the line for a terrific try which was again goaled by Kevin Leadbetter.
The final action of the first forty minutes came by way of the trusty boot of Matty Wood, who booted over a third long-range penalty to make the score 14-9 in favour of the Wids at half time.
With just five points in it at the break, the next score was always going to be vital, and fortunately it was the home side who were able to respond quickest very early on in the second period.
On this occasion, it was a long-range break from Jamie Patient which saw the centre draw the cover before handing on to the supporting Liam Lawton who raced in behind the uprights for an outstanding try.
Once again, Kevin Leadbetter was able to add the easy conversion to make the score 21-9.
Other chances came and went, and a diagonal kick across field to the corner almost paid dividends for the Wids.
When LSH did threaten, Tom O’Neill was on hand to collect a loose pass and race 45 metres before he was finally pulled down.
The hefty penalty count against the Wids wasn’t doing them any favours, and for a 10- or 15-minute spell midway through the second half, they were being denied any sort of possession and field position. So, it was hardly a surprise when the visitors were able to barge their way over for a try to keep the game alive.
However, when the home side did eventually find favour with the official, and a succession of penalties allowed them to clear their lines and allow both players and spectators to breath a huge sigh of relief.
The drama, though, would continue right to the end.
With time running out, a speculative kick up field was chased hard by Gavin Hatton who showed plenty of pace to get there first and kick the ball forward.
With the winger looking favourite to win the race and touch down, he was hauled down illegally and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try before sending the offending LSH player to the sin-bin.
With a 17-point advantage and precious few minutes left, there was hardly enough time left for the game to restart and play out the closing moments before the referee brought proceedings to end what had been an enthralling contest.
Tom O’Neill picked up the man of the match award for the home team, but in reality, any of the players were worthy of the title such was the quality of the overall team performance.
Head coach Andy McIntosh said: “It was a keenly fought contest and LSH tested us throughout. I thought our lads showed some real grit and determination, by far the best to a man we have played as a team.
“We have questioned some out of execution and consistency in recent weeks, but not tonight, and even with a heavy penalty count against us, we managed to keep our composure and take our chances. There were some top performances across the whole team.”
+ Widnes RUFC are going to look ‘suited and booted’ in the Premier League this season thanks to the generosity of one of their own.
Prop forward Matt Blakey, who is also Managing Director of environmental experts ‘Your Environment’ has kindly donated a full set of smart new tracksuits to the squad for the forthcoming campaign.
Matt presented the impressive looking track suits to First Team Captain Kevin Leadbetter before the recent fixture with Eccles, with the home side being rewarded with a 36-7 victory, with Blakey himself also getting on the scoresheet with a try!
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+ Widnes travel to Oldham on Saturday for their latest ADM Premier League fixture.
This will be another tough challenge for the ‘red-andblacks’ but with their improved form of late it will be a game they can look forward to with some relish.
Oldham have pushed Widnes all the way since the formation of the Lancashire Leagues back in 2018-19, and on their own pitch will present a formidable challenge.
Their form in the league so far this season has been rather mixed, with three wins and two defeats from their first five fixtures.
Widnes came through last Friday’s game with LSH fairly unscathed so should be able to select another strong squad.
The game at Manor Park kicks off at 2.15pm.