All set for winner takes all Eccles encounter
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WIDNES got the win they so desperately needed following this bonus point victory against Broughton Park at Houghend Crescent.
This victory, which keeps them at the top of the table, now sets them up nicely ahead of Saturday’s potential ‘winner takes all’ fixture at home against Eccles.
Occasionally their own worst enemies and never completely at their best, the Wids did enough to secure the win. They scored six tries in the process, to eventually run out victors against a side who had begun to find some form again following their victory at Tarleton the previous week.
The weather for the game was bright and clear, but it was very cold with a strong wing blowing straight down the pitch. Nevertheless, it was dry and ideal for some freeflowing rugby.
The home side suffered an early blow with the loss of Dave Hanby who was forced to leave the field through injury inside the opening few minutes.
After that, some quick thinking by Widnes ended with Jack Krause eventually scrambling his way over the line for the game’s opening try after just eight minutes.
Not long afterwards, Widnes were able to capitalise on a Park mistake, as they shipped the ball out wide enabling Andy Clarke to cross for a try which he also converted.
The visitors should then have scored again, but instead it was Park who were able to respond as Michael Graham went over for a try in the corner, which was then goaled in style from the touchline to make it 7-12.
Park were growing in confidence now, and it took some big Widnes defence to keep their opponents at bay.
Wing man Alex Jones then went close from Josh Salter’s chip ahead, before it did come right once again for the visitors, as fullback Andy Clarke crossed for his second try, before then adding the extras.
The home side did finish the half strongly, but more dogged and determined Widnes defence, meant that there would be no further change to the scoreboard at half time.
The visitors introduced both Justin Winstanley and Mike Jones at the start of the second stanza, but they were soon under pressure once again.
After bombing a glorious opportunity to score following a long-range interception, the home side then conceded another five-pointer as Andy Clarke battled his way over the line to touch down to complete his hattrick. It was also, the allimportant bonus point try.
And, then, if that wasn’t enough, the same player then booted over a super touchline conversion into the teeth of the strong wind to make it 7-26.
Park were then denied a try, as Lawrence Tully lost possession as he reached out to score, and that mistake was immediately punished at the other end of the field as ‘Super-sub’ Tom Spencer scored the Wids fifth try just after the hour mark.
When a visiting player went into the sin-bin, Park then laid siege to the Wids line in an effort to get themselves back into the contest. But they failed to find a breakthrough.
For the visitors, it was left to Matty Lawton to raise the biggest cheer of the day, as the big prop forward dummied his way through on a rampaging run to the line to score his first try of the campaign.
The final word, though, was left to Park who scored a further try through centre OpotuAddo Omar before the referee finally brought proceedings to a close, and wrap up another important victory for the Wids.
Head coach Andy McIntosh said afterwards: “Broughton Park has always been a tough place to come and get a win. So, to do that today is a credit to the lads.
“It was a bit scrappy at times and we certainly didn’t have it all our own way, but we really scrambled well in defence.
“Our transition from turnover was very good today and we put some real pressure on them and took our chances when they came along to score out wide.
“Overall, things to still work on but very pleasing to get an away win which keeps that momentum in the league going.”
WIDNES:
It was another busy Sunday morning at Heath Road with the mini and junior sections all in action.
The Under 7’s continue to go from strength to strength, whilst the Under 11’s overcame a huge Wigan side to win on their travels at Wigan. In the other game, the Under 13’s turned in a superb team performance to win 25-15 against Clitheroe. Caden Percival was selected as the man of the match, whilst the Coaches Award went to Billy Douthwaite.
Also on duty, were the Under 15’s who travelled to play a friendly fixture at Sefton and came away with a comfortable
Meanwhile, the Under 9’s celebrated wearing their new kit - which has been sponsored by Merseyflow following a Borough wide competitionby beating Sefton in a double header at Lynton Crescent.
Later in the day, the Junior Colts recovered from a 24-nil half time deficit, to draw level in the second period against Wirral Gulls at Heath Road.
● The senior XV face arguably their biggest and toughest game of the season on Saturday, when they take on Eccles at Heath Road.
And what a game promises to be!
Whilst the Wids currently sit at the top of the pile, the Gorton Street outfit are literally breathing down their necks and ready to pounce should the ‘red-and-blacks’ slip up.
They have been in terrific form all season, with a current playing record of; played 15, won 11, drawn 1 and lost 3. Their last outing saw them record a comfortable 37-17 victory against Aspull.
So, with all to play for, expect nothing less that a real thriller with the final result going down to the wire.
The game kicks off at 2.00pm.
In the other senior fixtures; the Seconds are away at Eccles in Division 2 North of the Halbro Leagues, whilst the Thirds are also on their travels at Liverpool Collegiate.
These matches kick off at 2.15pm.
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