Widnes Tigers 18 Southport 12

North West Counties Division Five

Mark Norris Building Services

THE Tigers racked up their first win at home against visitors Southport.

Southport took the lead after 10 minutes 0-4 with an unconverted try.

Second row Dave Smith, for the Tigers, scored a fine try finishing off a set play under the posts by crashing through the defensive line to score.

Fullback Stu Bell put the home side in the lead 6-4.

Minutes later the Tigers extended their lead with an individual try from stand off Mike Barr, who collected the ball well inside his own half and stepped through the defenders to race a full 75 yards to score under the posts.

Bell added the points and at the break the Tigers looked worthy of their 12-4 lead.

Fifteen minutes in to the second half there was another typical Smith try, and he completing a set piece under the sticks yet again. Bell converted and the Tiger's lead was extended to 18-4.

Mike Barr had a fine game, topping the tackle count and backed up by Smith, Forshaw and Scott Johnson in his first game for the Tigers.

The Southport side were rewarded with two tries in the closing stages.

Tigers' man of the match was a close call. Lee Forshaw got the Tigers coach vote and Mike Barr was the visitor's choice.

The Tiger's next game is away at Chorley next Saturday.