Widnes 10

Middlesbrough 26

MIDDLESBROUGH travelled to Heath Road full of confidence, already having secured two comfortable victories but it was the Wids who took and early lead.

After five minutes a well struck penalty by Stu Hussey made the score 3-0, but Middlesbrough made a quick riposte, centre Tim Lauriston scored a try converted by full-back Andy Parker, making the score 7-3.

In the 12th minute Jason Wrigley, Middlesbrough scrum-half and captain, went over the line to make the score 12-3. At this stage things looked ominous for Widnes.

Even though they have lost all of last year's highly paid individuals they have certainly not lost their grit and determination.

This was obvious for all to see, for the next 30 minutes Widnes led by the street-wise Hughes twins and the ubiquitous Danny Carter put Middlesbrough under the cosh.

During this period they missed five penalties, four of them kickable and a glorious try scoring opportunity when Paul Bruchez, instead of going for the corner, chose to cut inside straight into the Middlesbrough cover.

But the old adage "pressure into points" rings true.

Widnes failed to capitalise on their territorial advantage and it was Middlesbrough who were to deliver the first-half killer blow, when in the fifth minute of injury time, slick handling by the Boro backs sent inside centre Andy Micklewright striding over the Widnes line, the try was converted by Parker.

In the second-half the Wids started where they had left off. Excellent driving by the forwards, especially the strong running Dave Faulkner, stretched a resolute Middlesbrough defence, but it was the introduction of replacement back Steve Burke whose strong and incisive running added an extra dimension to the Widnes play.

It was Burke's outside break and splendid inside pass which sent Kiwi Glen Blackmore scampering over the Middlesbrough line, converted by Stu Hussey, this narrowed the gap to nine points.

Once again it was Widnes who took the game to Middlesbrough and they were unlucky not to score when Blackmore was held up over the line.

Middlesbrough are a solid side, especially in the front row and they used this platform to repel the Widnes attacks, repeatedly driving the home forwards back at the set scrum.

Widnes couldn't make the telling thrusts and after 70 minutes play and the away teams first real attack in Widnes territory, the lively Wrigley scored his second try, converted by Parker. Widnes battered away but failed to get their rewards.

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