Latchford Al 18 Widnes Bulls 22

DESPITE never playing to their full potential Widnes Albion Bulls came away from Warrington with a hard earned if unspectacular victory to remain unbeaten in Division Two.

There was very little between the teams in the early stages, a penalty to Latchford being the only score after 30 minutes.

The home side increased their lead to six points with a try only for the Albion to hit back almost immediately when John Ogbum took a short pass to cross under the post to Chris Fenlon converting. However, an interception try and conversion gave Latchford a 12-6 lead right on half time. Widnes Albion improved in the second-half and when a towering bomb was spilled by the full back, they took advantage to put Andy Benson over in the corner. A converted try to Latchford again put them in the driving seat but the Bulls buckled down and Tony Mahar scored a couple of times backing up firstly Geoff Williams and secondly Paul Davies.

Chris Fenlon landed both conversions to open up a four point lead with 15 minutes to go, a lead the Bulls were determined to hold on to, tackling everything that moved to hold on to their lead and two points.

Haydock B 4 Widnes Bulls A 29

THE Albion returned with the spoils in a game which was an excellent advert for amateur rugby league.

They took a 12-0 interval lead with tries by Chris Bibby and Paul Rostance and a couple of Joey Morgan conversions.

In the second-half the home side rarely got a look-in as Keith Murphy, rallied the forwards and second rows Tony Knight and Danny Gilmore tackling everything that moved paved the way for further tries by Bibby and Darren Yates, Morgan landing the extras as well as a couple of penalties and popping over a drop goal for good measure.

Easing up slightly gave Haydock a late try which was no more than a consolation as the Albion gained a thoroughly deserved victory on a ground where there are few easy games

Widnes Albion Bulls are at home to Rylands at St Peter and Paul School on Saturday, KO at 2.30pm, while the A team are away at Portico Panthers.

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