Lancashire Inter-Town semi-final

St Helens 22

Widnes 28

THE Widnes tackling was superb with all the team on top of their game.

Widnes took the lead after a strong run from captain John Buckley stand-off Chris Smart put full-back Mark Keenan in for a try which he also converted.

St Helens winger Woods narrowed the gap with a penalty.

Widnes then took control with two tries. First centre Stuart Davies gathered to send winger, Kevin O'Neill over. Winger Tony Fillingham collected the second to score by the posts, Mark Keenan added both conversions.

In the second half stand-off Mitchell scored and converted his try after eight minutes. Mitchell then set up and converted a try for substitute Marsh to reduce the gap further.

Superb tackles from Kevin O'Neil, Stuart Davies and Andrew McDonald prevented further scores.

Widnes then sealed victory with two well-made tries. Hooker Tony Hollins was always a threat from half-back and shone for Widnes, from one of his runs second-row Andrew Horabin crossed in the corner.

Minutes later Horabin sent winger Tony Fillingham through a small gap which resulted in stand-off, Chris Smart, adding a further Widnes try.

A superb conversion from Mark Keenan kept Widnes in control.

The Widnes side continued to play open rugby and made several other chances but the final pass went to ground giving posession away too often.

St Helens responded with late tries from Woods and Blower to narrow the gap at the final whistle.

Widnes must now travel to Rochdale in the final which will take place on Tuesday, October 27.

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