Widnes 13

Macclesfield 15

A WIDNES side lacking confidence after a run of four defeats fell behind in the first-half, but were unlucky to fall to another defeat after a stirring second-half comeback.

Throughout the first-half Widnes were on the back foot, continually on the defence, led by good tackling from Andy Eyres and Paul Newall.

Macclesfield though couldn't break the stern defence and their only rewards came through four penalties from full-back Medwell, following indiscipline from the Widnes forwards.

After the break Macclesfield extended their lead to 15 points with a drop-goal from Hall.

At this point Widnes seemed to wake up and were spurred into action.

In the forwards Dave Howard and Neil Scorer began to win line-out Ball and this began to give the Widnes backs a platform to build on.

Widnes made half breaks through Tommy Ledson, Danny Heyes and Jon Witter but were not able to make the decisive break.

Then halfway through the second-half Andy Ruane popped up a wonderful pass to Paul Bruchez who charged through unopposed to score under the sticks for a try converted by Andy Ruane.

This continued to improve the confidence that Widnes were playing with.

Each time Macclesfield entered the Widnes half they were kicked back deep into their own half with some towering kicks from Mom, Ruane.

Widnes continued to peg away at the Macclesfield lead with two penalties from Ruane.

This left a two point lead in Macclesfield favour with just five minutes left.

Widnes were pounding at the Macclesfield line, but try as they might, they just couldn't find any gaps in the Macclesfield defence.

With the referee blowing for full-time while Widnes were continuing their onslaught.

Widnes can be pleased with this performance which was arguably the best of the season so far, and if they continue with their second-half form, a first win of the season can't be far away the Wids can also be pleased with the top performances of their pack especially Scorer and Eyres who both played their best games since joining the club.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.