Widnes 21 Wigton 20

THIS was a match in which Widnes proved the spirit is still willing even though they have lost nearly 15 players to other clubs.

Widnes got off to a terrible start when Wigton's Wallace ran 50 yards to score under the post, converted by Braithwaite.

Nevertheless, the Widnes heads did not go down and came storming back with in a penalty which Ste Hussey converted.

Widnes preceded to put on the pressure but conceded silly penalties which kept Wigton in the lead.

Even though they were trailing 13-3 Widnes dominated the game. They were awarded a scrum and drove towards the Wigton try line and Dave Faulkner plunged over the line to make the score 8-13. Hussey narrowly missing the conversion.

In the second-half Widnes veteran Paul Bruchez crashed over the line to level the score 13-13.

Then Widnes dropped the ball over their own line and in the resulting confusion Wigton left winger Warwick drove on the ball and scored a simple try, successfully converted by Braithwaite. This made the score 13-20 to Wigton.

Widnes kept pounding away at the Wigton line but could not convert pressure into points. Time was running out for Widnes when in the 41st minute they were awarded a penalty wide out on the Wigton 22. The pressure was all on Ste Hussey but he cooly stepped up and produced a match winning penalty kick to make the final score 21-20.

All credit must go to the Widnes players and coaching staff who showed tremendous determination and commitment.

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