Warrington got off to a flying start on a beautiful autumn afternoon at Heath Road. The visitors collected the kick-off on the left wing and moved the ball fluently down the line before right winger Tom McEniff crossed for Warrington's opening try. 0-5

Warrington thought they had added a second score just three minutes later when they crossed in the left corner, but the touch judge ruled a foot was in touch. However, with 15 minutes on the clock, Widnes attempted to run the ball out from deep and McEniff, showing his trademark anticipation, intercepted 35 metres out before racing in under the posts. The simple conversion was added by JP Hudson. 0-12

Midway through the half, Widnes gained 20 metres from an excellent rolling maul that originated on the halfway line. From the resulting penalty, they kicked to a line-out five metres out and drove over from another rolling maul for their opening try. 7-12

Both sides were intent on playing expansive rugby, and Widnes frequently appeared to create an overlap in the backline. However, centres Newton and Kellett rushed up aggressively in defence, either tackling the ball carrier before he could release a pass or positioning themselves to threaten an interception, something Widnes needed no reminder about. As a result, the home side were often forced back inside, where the Warrington pack dealt effectively with the danger.

Approaching half-time, a fine break by Hudson almost put Newton in for Warrington's third try, but a tap tackle halted the centre just 15 metres short. From the ensuing ruck, Hudson kicked a penalty to extend the lead. 7-15

Warrington threatened again when Archie Kellett broke clear from inside his own half and kicked ahead towards the Widnes line. Hooker Harrison Turner put the defender under pressure on the line, but a penalty against Warrington relieved the danger for the hosts.

With only a few minutes remaining in the half, Widnes capitalised on an extra 10 metres after Warrington's protests at a penalty decision were deemed excessive. Following a lengthy spell of controlled possession, the home side crossed for their second try. 14-15

However, Hudson had the final say of the half, kicking his second penalty of the afternoon from directly in front of the posts.

Half-time: Widnes 14-18 Warrington

Ten minutes into the second half, Widnes were caught napping when Hudson took a quick tap penalty, carrying the ball deep into the home side's 22. Newton was on hand in support to finish the move. 14-23

Warrington failed to secure the restart, allowing Widnes to surge downfield and earn a scrum five metres from the line. The Warrington pack, led by what was believed to be the club's youngest-ever front row of Hoyes, Turner and Reay, with a combined age of just 56, responded superbly by winning the ball against the head and taking the sting out of the attack.

Midway through the half, second row Evans made a clean break from a line-out in the Warrington half. With excellent support from Hoyes, followed by Kellett and Whittaker, the ball was moved swiftly left to Luke Turner. A desperate shoulder charge on the winger denied an almost certain try, resulting in a penalty try and a yellow card for the Widnes defender. 14-30

For the next 10 minutes, Warrington were forced to dig deep as Widnes applied sustained pressure through their forwards close to the line. The visitors produced a huge defensive effort, not only with their tackling but also by twice stealing possession at the breakdown. Unfortunately, poor handling after those turnovers prevented Warrington from clearing their lines. They twice held Widnes up over the line, but eventually the pressure told and the home side forced their way over for a third try with eight minutes remaining. 21-30

With five minutes to go, Hudson added another penalty to increase Warrington's advantage. However, from the final play of the match, Widnes crossed for a fourth try, securing a try bonus points and a losing bonus point.

Full-time: Widnes 28-33 Warrington

Summary: Warrington produced an impressive all-round performance, combining attacking flair with resolute defence to secure a hard-earned 33-28 victory over Widnes at Heath Road. Tries from Tom McEniff 2, Newton, and a penalty try, together with JP Hudson's accurate kicking, proved enough to withstand a late Widnes fightback and claim a valuable away win.

Team:
1) T.Green*, 2) H.Turner*, 3) K.Hoyes *, 4) W.Morgan *, 5) *, J.Evans *, 6) Andy Kellett *,
7) S.Callander *, 8) D.Fleming (c) *, 9) J.Whittaker *, 10) JP.Hudson *,
11) L.Turner *, 12) Archie Kellett *, 13) R.Newton , 14) T.McEniff *, 15) W.Uttley *
Replacements:
16) G.Reay, 17) S.Whalley *, 18) M.Caldwell *
* Indicates home-grown players.

Referee: Nathaniel Mountain (Manchester & District Referees Society)

Report by Roy Potts, WRUFC

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