LANCASHIRE CUP FINALS DAY.

Sadly, there was no fairytale finish to the season for the Junior and Senior Colts as they both went down in their respective Lancashire Cup Finals last Sunday afternoon. 

First on were the Junior Colts U17’s who went down 16pts – nil, to a very good Broughton Park side. 

In a closely fought contest, Broughton Park held a 7pts – nil advantage at halftime. 

The Wids missed a penalty early in the second half and that was as close as they got and Park added three more penalties to wrap things up. 

Coach Ray Rigby said afterwards that the score didn’t reflect the closeness of the game and praised all his players for what has been a fantastic effort this season, 

Hoping to go one better later in the afternoon were the Senior Colts U19’s who were up against Liverpool Collegiate. 

Collegiate took the lead midway through the first half with a converted try before two penalty goals from Chris Morgan reduced the arrears to just a single point. Another try created by the Collegiate pack eased them into a six-point lead before Morgan’s trusty boot made it 12pts – 9.

The last twenty minutes saw Widnes camped in the Collegiate quarter of the field, and despite continuous pressure led by man-of-the match Joe Clark, they were unable to crack open an excellent Collegiate defensive line that would have given them the win.

Scrum down action from the Senior Colts U/19's game v Liverpool Collegiate

WIDNES  U17s 19  SANDBACH  U17s 21

Widnes and Sandbach have both had fantastic seasons, Widnes reaching the Final of the Lancashire Cup, Sandbach the Final of the Cheshire Cup.

Today they met in the final of the League Bowl in a game that was always going to be close.

Widnes had the perfect start when after four minutes Danny Lindberg ran in the first try of the day, which Paul McLindon duly converted.

Widnes were on fire, over the next fifteen minutes the Wids backs continually tested the Sandbach defence, until in the twentieth minute Paul McLindon, playing outside centre, made a superb run to score Widnes’s second try. Paul just missed the conversion, giving Widnes a 12pts - nil lead.

The celebrations were short lived as a sloppy pass from Widnes was pounced on by Chris Baily, just as he had done last week against LSH, who with the cheers of the crowd ringing in his ears, had an easy run to score. With the kick converted, Sandbach were right back in the game.

It was Widnes however who, thanks to Paul McLindon, scored the next try. Paul was on top form and playing with the power and aggression that makes him such a formidable player. With the try converted the score was now 19pts - 7.

Widnes looked in control and seemed to heading for a comfortable victory until just before half time when Ben Trump kicked a penalty to leave the game evenly poised at 19pts – 10.

The penalty kick just before half time had been crucial to Sandbach. It had kept them in the game and straight from the restart they looked a different team. Putting pressure on the Wids, they were awarded another penalty when a Wids player stupidly put his hands in a ruck after being told hands out, giving Ben Trump an easy kick to bring Sandbach within six points of Widnes.

As Widnes controlled the first half Sandbach controlled the second half. Their forwards played superbly and showed strength, commitment and most of all a desire to win. It was this desire that forced Widnes on to the back foot and time and time again the Widnes forwards gave pointless penalties away. It was only going to be a matter of time before Sandbach were rewarded with a try. The try came in the twenty first minute after the Sandbach forwards drove the ball over the line and Henry Hackett touched down to score a well deserved try. Ben Trump now had the opportunity to put Sandbach in front with the conversion, but to the relief of the Widnes players he missed leaving Widnes in front 19 - 18.

With fifteen minutes to play nerves were stretched on both benches as Sandbach continued to put pressure on the Wids.

Widnes defended well and looked as if they were going to hold out then with only a minute on the clock Widnes pressed the self-destruct button and again gave away a stupid penalty right in front of the posts. Ben Trump stepped up to take the penalty and this time made no mistake as he put the ball between the middle of the posts.

Game over, Sandbach had snatched it at the death and all credit to them, they deserved it. Widnes had never really looked like winning in the second half. They had been dominated by Sandbach’s forwards, who forced Widnes in to giving pointless penalties away, which ultimately was the undoing of a Widnes team that have become accustomed to winning. Today they learnt a valuable lesson. Giving penalties away – gives point away.

Two lads stood out; Paul McLindon for Widnes who was outstanding first half and rightfully receives the man of the match award for Widnes, for Sandbach the award goes to Jonathon Stanway. Jonathon was the driving force for Sandbach time and time again, driving the ball forward. His tireless effort throughout the game was undoubtedly the main contributing factor to Sandbach’s dominance of the second half.

Both teams have another exciting weekend ahead when they play in their respective County Cup Competitions.

A big thank you to everyone at Wigan for the tremendous effort they have obviously put in to making it a memorable day for everyone involved. Also to Jon Kitchen, Andy Thompson, and the rest of the committee for all their efforts in making the Halbro Colts League such a success.

FLEETWOOD U17s JUNIOR COLTS  7

WIDNES U17s JUNIOR COLTS  8

Widnes travelled to Fleetwood, hoping to win a place to their second final in two weeks, after beating Liverpool St Helens last week to make the Lancashire Cup final.

Today, they were playing for a place in the League Bowl final in two weeks time, and so complete what has been an exceptional season for a bunch of lads who have grown in confidence and stature throughout the season.

The game was played in perfect conditions; beautiful sunshine and a pitch in superb condition.

The first half was evenly contested with neither side having many real chances, but it was an entertaining game. The only real chance fell to Widnes when in the twenty-second minute a series of quick passes along the line gave Neil, on the left wing, an opportunity to run for the try line. Desperately, the Fleetwood backs tried to put him in to touch, but he somehow managed to touch the ball down for a try. The conversion went wide, which left the score at 5pts – nil at halftime.

The second half saw a Fleetwood side desperate to keep their season alive and within three minutes of the restart they had scored the try they needed, with the conversion successful they took the lead 7pts – 5.

From the restart Fleetwood again took the game to Widnes, but this time the Wids responded and the game again became evenly matched. In the nineteenth minute Widnes were awarded a penalty for a high tackle which Josh Patton coolly put between the posts to give the visitors back the lead.

Fleetwood now had to score again and as well as they attacked Widnes defended. Every time they came within spitting distance of scoring a try Widnes cleared their line. Then, after another period of possession and with only three minutes of play, Fleetwood were awarded a penalty twenty five yards out and straight in front of the posts. It looked as if the Wids were going to lose it at the death, but unbelievably the kick went wide and Fleetwood had missed their chance to take the game.

It was an exciting game to watch, and it could have gone either way, but it is the Wids who have done it again, by the narrowest of margins they have managed to make it to their second final of the season.

The lads proved yet again that they have determination, resilience and an overwhelming desire to win, and hopefully they will win one, if not two, finals to become the most successful Colts team Widnes have had.

Man of the match went to Andy Doolan, who despite failing to score for the first time in five games, showed there is so much more to his game as he organised the backs, defended superbly and was a constant threat to the Fleetwood defence.

Widnes Colts U19s - 13     Rochdale Colts - 14

The Colts good run of form came to an end against a very committed Rochdale side in atrocious conditions.  Widnes got off to a flying start, McGarry racing 80 yards for a superb individual score after 4 minutes.  Rochdale hit back mid way through the half scoring near the posts.  Hetherington's quick thinking just before half time resulted in him barging over, Morgan suprisingly missed the conversion.  The second half saw Widnes lose far too much ball and take too many wrong options.  The Wids line out also didn't function very well allowing Rochdale to dictate the game.  The decisive score came 12 minutes from time to leave the Wids to concentrate on the Lancashire Cup Final on May 4th.  Man of the match went to hardworking Phil Harrison closely followed by Hetherington.

Widnes U17s  17  Liverpool St Helens U17s   10

Widnes welcomed Liverpool St Helens to the Wids for the semi final of the Lancashire Cup.

When the two teams met earlier in the season, LSH won with a last minute try against a Widnes squad that consisted of just fifteen players. 

With a full squad Widnes were confident they would be the victors this time. That confidence was quickly dented when LSH ran in a try three minutes into the game. However, straight from the restart it was the Wids turn to catch LSH asleep as George Lang playing scrum half broke from the back of a scrum to score a try. Widnes failed to convert giving LSH a 7pts - 5 lead.

With two tries in the first five minutes, it looked as if we were in for a feast of tries, but after the initial excitement the game settled down in to a battle of the forwards. LSH attacked well, taking advantage of the strong wind, but failed to really threaten the Widnes try line. Twice Widnes broke from the back and on both occasions would have scored if it had not been for a mis-timed pass and a knock on. It was not until just before half time that LSH converted a penalty to go into the break 10pts - 5 up.

With the wind behind them, Widnes were confident they could pull back the deficit in the second half.

Straight from the restart, Widnes attacked with flair and determination that had been lacking in the first half and LSH found themselves camped in their own half, but like Widnes they defended well. It took the Wids fourteen minutes before they managed to score their first try; Andy Doolan who gets better every week, timed his run to perfection and broke the LSH back line to score a lovely try.

Six minutes later, he again showed how dangerous he is when he tore apart the LSH defence to score another superb try. Chris Schofield converted to give the Wids a seven-point lead.

With fourteen minutes left to play, Widnes were now in the driving seat and continued to control the game. It was not until the last few minutes of the match, in a desperate attempt to salvage the game, that they put Widnes under any real pressure.

Just when it looked like they might just pull it off, Carl Moreton made a superb interception then held off five LSH players as they desperately tried to rip the ball off him. With the strength of an ox he drove the melee of LSH players around him into touch ending the last play of the game.

This was a fantastic performance by the Wids who played with a determination and grit that has been their hallmark this season. They neutralised the LSH pack that had been so dominant in their previous game. Every member of the team played a part in a well-deserved victory and they can all look forward to playing in the most prestigious game of their lives in four weeks time when they play in the final.

Man of the match for the Wids was Carl Moreton who again showed why he is such a crucial member of one of the best packs in the league, whilst there was a special mention for Andy Doolan who is playing some inspirational rugby. As for the rest of the lads “Well done” - it is no more than you deserve, you have been outstanding this season. 

Widnes Colts U19s  19    Leigh Colts U19s10 

Paul Newall’s side secured their place in the Lancashire Cup Final with a fantastic defensive display against hot favourites Leigh. 

The game was nip and tuck in the first half, before wing forward Joe Clark broke the deadlock when he raced in for a try from 30 metres, with Chris Morgan adding the extras. 

Leigh reduced the deficit with a penalty that left the score 7pts – 3 at the break. 

The visitors began the second half strongly and it came as no real surprise when they scored a try and conversion that gave them the lead. 

But whilst others sides may have capitulated, Widnes showed they were made of stronger stuff and replied in the best way that they could. 

Several fine drives from Hetherington and Green ended with Phil Harrison crashing over, and with Morgan again converting the home side were in the lead 14pts – 10. 

The try and the lead gave Widnes added impetus, and with Andrew Griffiths dominant in the line out, the opportunity was created for prop forward Prescott to go over for the try to round things off. 

Widnes still had several anxious moments to contend with but their defensive line held firm as the whistle finally went for full time. 

The Allen family man-of-the match went to Justin Winstanley, but everyone in the squad deserved a mention in what was an outstanding team effort.

Widnes Colts U19s   37  West Park Colts  10

Widnes progressed into the semi final of the Halbro League Cup and warmed up nicely for next Sunday's Lancashire Cup semi-final home game against Leigh 2.15 k.o.

McGarry went over from a planned move involving Winstanley and Murphy.  West Park hit back five minutes later to level.  Clark then scored in the corner after good work from Green and Semple.  Murphy then added his name to the score sheet followed by the try of the game, Clark made the initial break linking with McMuldroch who handed on to Hatton to round off an 80 yard score.  Morgan added the extras for a 27 - 5 half time lead.  The second half was a little scrappy when the Wids lost Harrison, Williamson and Leadbetter to injury.  Park added one try while the Wids added two tries both scored by man of the match Clark.

Fylde Colts  -  22     Widnes Colts U19s 38

Widnes produced one of their best performances of the season, with the Wids forwards producing a faultless display.  Winstanley powered over for 2 tries both converted by Morgan. The home team made three scoring opportunities and scored on each occasion to lead at the break 19 – 14. 

The 2^nd half was all Widnes, Griffiths, Hetherington , Clark and Harrison being the pick of the pack. Semple put the Wids back in the lead after Newall’s clever kick .McMuldroch went over from short range after good work from Hatton.  Fylde then landed a penalty goal on a rare visit into Widnes territory. Morgan was awarded a penalty try after the referee spotted an infringement stopping the fullback scoring.  Morgan also added the extras to keep a 100% record with his kicking on a day when conditions where far from favourable.  Morgan then added a late drop goal to round off an excellent victory.  The only sad note was the injury to standoff Newall who had to be stretchered off the field after only returning from a long injury lay off 3 weeks ago.  In a fitting tribute Norman Leecliff ex Wids stalwart awarded Winstanley the man of the match.

Manchester Colts - 5   Widnes Colts U19s - 13

The Colts good run of form continued with a hard fought victory sealing fourth place in the final Halbro League game.  Widnes used the strong wind intelligently in the first half through Morgan and Newall.  The Wids took the lead half way through the half, Murphy putting Semple clear down the blind side just inside his own half, Semple was tackled five yards short of the line and Murphy was in support to pick up and score.  Morgan kicked a delightful conversion from wide out.  Morgan added two penalty goals for a 13 point half time lead.  Widnes had to battle into the wind in the second period ,sterling defensive work from Leadbetter, Hetherington, Green, Griffin and MOM McMuldroch kept Manchester out until 8 minutes from time when the line was penetrated.  In the final minutes Williamson and McGarry went close for the Heath Roaders in what was another excellent victory.  The Colts take a week off before the League Cup begins in two weeks.
 

Widnes Junior Colts  27  Aldwinians Junior Colts 12

Widnes came into the match on the back of a sixteen game unbeaten run and it was clear from the start that they were not prepared to settle for second place. 

The first half performance was without doubt the best of the season with the pack dominating the forwards battle and the backs being given the space to run at the opposition.  Schofield settled the nerves with an early penalty and with tries from Haydock and Wills, both converted by Schofield, Widnes took a seventeen nil advantage into the second period. 

Aldwinians were not going to relinquish their title chance without a fight showing great character in the early part of the second half to quickly reduced the deficit only for Rigby to continue his impressive scoring record with another well engineered try. A further try from the visitors ensured a tense final quarter but with Haydock driving over from the back of a scrum, the Junior South League title was safely secured. 

Both sets of players showed great respect for each other and produced a game of rugby that was played in the true spirit of the game despite the fact that there so much was at stake for the winners.   

There was a big thank you to Dave Paton who refereed the game impeccably, and who had nothing but praise for all the players despite the fact that there was so much at stake. 

Many thanks should also go to all the volunteers who have given advice, the parents, supporters, coaches and the players who have all contributed to the overall success of the season so far. 

Widnes will now go on to the National U17's Competition in a few weeks time. 

Victorious Widnes Junior Colts

Widnes Colts U 19s 10  Fleetwood Colts  5 

In a hard fought physical encounter Widnes did just enough to ensure a victory.  Fleetwood started the stronger going into a lead after 17 minutes and could have gone further ahead but for scrambling defence from Leadbetter, McMuldroch and Murphy when tries looked a certainty.  The second half saw Widnes calling all the shots Williamson, Harrison, Winstanley and Hetherington making holes in the Fleetwood defence but excellent defensive work from Fleetwood kept their line intact until 15 minutes from time, when Murphy broke from a 20 yard scrum to crash over.  With just 4 minutes to go Newall, back from injury after a lengthy layoff, put an inch perfect kick to the corner for Semple to touch down for the winning score.  Best for Widnes were Williamson, Griffiths, Murphy and MOM Winstanley.

Widnes  U19s   23   Ashton-on-Mersey  13

The Manchester side raced into a 10 point lead in the opening 12 minutes scoring two excellent tries.  The Wids response was superb clawing their way back into the game.  Noone scoring a wonderful solo try after 20 minutes closely followed by a Hetherington penalty goal.  Ashton extended their lead on the stroke of half time courtesy of a penalty goal.  Widnes controlled the second half with man of the match Andy Griffiths dominating the line outs allowing the red and blacks plenty of ball and good field position.  Hetherington levelled the scores dummying his way over the line and then gave the Wids the lead kicking a simple penalty goal after neat interpassing by Clark, Harrison and Winstanley.  Three minutes from time Leadbetter showed Ashton a clean pair of heels to race in at the corner from 40 yards, he then added a glorious touchline conversion completing an excellent comeback

Birkenhead Park Colts  26   Widnes Colts   23

The Colts lost their first game since mid November in an absorbing entertaining game.  The opening 15 minutes saw Williamson, Semple and Tully go close for Widnes, but against the run of play Park took the lead after an error from a Park speculative kick.  The Wids hit back, Winstanley going in under the posts, Hetherington added the extras then added two penalty goals to leave the Wids 10-7 up at the break.  The second half saw Widnes lose far too many line outs allowing Park to take the lead.  Clark put Widnes back in front driving over from 10 yards.  Park came back again scoring an excellent try and then extended their lead scoring after taking a scrum against the head.  Clark scored his second try from short range with 3 minutes remaining to give the Wids hope, but unfortunately they could not repeat the heroics of previous weeks.  Best for Widnes were Williamson, Clark, Harrison and man of the match Leadbetter.

Widnes U19s - 22       Sedgeley Park Colts - 6 

Widnes progressed into the Lancashire Cup semi-final after a magnificent defensive effort.  Widnes took the lead after 3 minutes, Captain Hetherington kicking a penalty goal.  The Wids extended their lead after 20 minutes with quick thinking by Hetherington who took a quick tap penalty and released Harrison to barge over, Hetherington added the extras.  Widnes then had to absorb a barrage of Sedgley pressure.  The Wids line held firm with outstanding tackling from MOM Hetherington, Williamson, Green and Winstanley.  Deep into injury time the Wids conceded a penalty under the posts allowing Sedgley 3 points.  The second half saw Sedgley putting onthe pressure resulting in their second penalty goal.  The intensity of the battle resulted in several players being sin-binned from both sides.  The red and blacks increased their lead via Griffin who squeezed in at the corner, Hetherington added a superb touchline conversion.  Widnes then wrapped up the game courtesy of Clark who was released by Noone after McMuldroch had made the initial break.  Widnes celebrated a fantastic victory against the Lancashire Cup favourites.

Colts pictured before the Sedegley Park cup tie.

Widnes Colts U19s - 19 Winnington Pk - 17

Widnes knocked Park off the top of the Halbro League with an excellent all round team performance. The Wids started very strongly with crunching tackles from Winstanley, Clark, Hetherington and McMuldroch putting the red and blacks on top in the opening period. Griffiths was winning plenty of line out ball allowing Widnes a lot of possession. The Wids missed two penalty goals one hitting the post, McNally was then held up over the line. MOM Harrison and Perry went close before the break through came courtesy of Hatton who dummied his way over after neat passing from the Wids backs. The second half saw Widnes extend their lead Noone delaying his pass beautifully allowing Clark to break the defence to score under the post, Hetherington goaled. Winnington got back into the game via a penalty and an excellent try. Leadbetter went over in the corner for Widnes but unfortunately the referee adjudged a forward pass. Widnes then scored the try of the game, Green knocking off four or five tacklers on a 50 yard run to the try line, Hetherington added the extras. Park then scored deep into injury time. The victory should give the Wids a lot of confidence going into Sunday's Lancashire Cup quarter final at Sedgley Park.

WIDNES COLTS   15   WIDNES VETS   5

Widnes Colts extended their winning sequence to 6 – 3 in the nine-match series so far, with this hard fought win over a gutsy and determined Widnes Vets side  

The game was a thoroughly enjoyable affair even though it was played in the worst weather conditions of the winter so far with icy, gale force winds and driving rain blasting their way across the pitch.

 With club bragging rights at stake, neither side were in the mood to give in to the dreadful conditions, and it was the Colts who gained the early advantage when scrum half, and their eventual man-of-the match Phil Harrison, went over wide out after a long-range move.

 Powerful prop forward Nathan Williamson was next on the score sheet as he crashed over from close range to make it 10pts – nil.

 The Colts then suffered a serious blow as the outstanding John Hetherington was carried from the field with a knee injury.

 After that, the youngsters seemed to lose a bit of direction allowing the Vets to draw breath and get themselves back into the game through some excellent work from their forwards. 

 When Dave Owens, who makes a 600 mile round trip every year to play in this fixture, crashed over for a try it was game on again.  However, as the weather conditions deteriorated further, the Vets tried to force the pace once too often and Matty Buckle was on hand to seal the win with their third try of the afternoon.

 Outstanding players for the Vets included Lol Carr, Nicky Preston and Karl Shingler in the pack, whilst for the Colts, Danny McNally, Justin Winstanley, Ste Connor and Andy Griffiths all caught the eye with their outstanding work rate.

Fleetwood U19s 15   Widnes U19s  0

Depleted Widnes travelled up to the Lancashire coast at the weekend and put in a valiant effort. However, it was in vain as their hosts maintained their unbeaten run. 

Fleetwood took the lead with a drop goal and added a converted try on the stroke of halftime. 

They extended that lead midway through the second half and although Widnes had plenty of chances, they failed to capitalise despite the efforts of McMuldroch and Williamson.

WIDNES U19s 17  MANCHESTER U19s 10

Widnes continued their much-improved form of late with a 17pts-10 win over Manchester. 

Chris Morgan got them on their way with a penalty before Justin Winstanley crashed over for a try, which was converted by Morgan. 

It was looking good for Widnes when scrum half Gavin Hatton went over from close range midway through the second half before Manchester launched their fight back.   

The visitors kicked a penalty, before adding a try in conversion in the closing minutes. 

The Man of the Match vote went to John Hetherington closely followed by full back Chris Semple.  

9/9/2007

2/9/2007