DERBY DELIGHT FOR WIDNES

Widnes u11s 42

Warrington u11s 12

THIS was a tremendous display by the Widnes boys, perhaps their best of the season.

They played with a purpose that has been lacking on occasions and with speed and directness that belied their young age.

There is no doubt that his was the best, most controlled attacking performance of the season, but it was also pleasing that there was less naivety in defence.

As early as the second minute, the Widnes boys posted their intentions with solid forward drives paving the way for a sweet cross-field passing move enabling the superbly impressive Andrew Riley to score the first of what was to be his five tries.

But the significant thing about this first try was that it was up by the astute running and beautifully timed passes from the exciting half-back pairing of Adam Kelly and Dale Bloomfield.

Both these players had top class games, and if there had to me a Mom it would have been hard to choose between them with perhaps Kelly just shading it.

It seemed that everything revolved around these two, but that can only be successful if the whole team works, if the whole team gels, if the whole team plays for each other.

This was the secret of the success against a Warrington side that played its part in an entertaining game.

Tries flowed at regular intervals throughout the game, with Dennis Simcock and Dale Bloomfield adding to Riley's five.

It was interesting to note that Riley was switched to the right-centre position for this game rather than his usual left, perhaps an omen for the future.

Conversions were added by no less than severn players, with Christopher Rowlands, Shaun McDermott, Craig Millington and John McDonald joining Bloomfield, Riley and Simcock who kicked a goal apiece in addition to their tries.

So in all, a fine all-round performance from a Widnes team who can now travel to Oldham... never an easy place to get a result... with some confidence.

From there, hopefully they can challenge Wigan for the Premiership.

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