WIDNES ALBERT came out on top in the first derby game of the season with West Bank.

The Albert missing some regulars through injury showed far greater commitment than the Bank and thoroughly deserved victory, although perhaps a little flattered by the margin as two tries awarded by the rookie referee were hotly disputed.

The Albert took an early 12 point lead with tries from Andy Horabin and captain Andy Eyres both converted by Stuart Hussey.

The Banks' try came from full-back Duncan Curphey who was set up by winger Tony Fillingham.

The Bank looked set to narrow the gap, but the ball went to ground and Albert stand-off Stuart Hussey hacked the ball twice to the Bank line and was awarded the try although Bank prop, John Wilson, seemed to get to the ball first.

The Alberts' forwards easily had the better of a below par Bank six and increased their lead with two tries from Ritchie O'Neill and one from Dave Yeomans and two Hussey goals.

The Bank added tries from centre, Phil Moss, after a good run from Ian Connor and hooker, Bryn Pinnington, after John Wilson had gone close.

West Bank A 10

Haydock B 20

THE second team suffered an early blow conceding a try after only five minutes.

The Bank looked set to score with a two man overlap but the Haydock winger intercepted to race the length of the field giving the visitors a 12-0 half-time lead.

Haydock extended their lead to 20 points but the Bank never gave in and were rewarded with a superb try by hooker, Paul Nuttie, following a great run by Stephen Jones.

Captain Rob McKeever converted and almost scored himself after good play by Mark Grady and Andrew Taylor.

A second score eventually came with full-back, Lee Cassidy, crossing in the corner with Gareth New and Trevor McKeever involved in the build-up.

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