South Lancs & Cheshire Division 1

Widnes  17   Sale F.C.   15

The first match in Pool 1 of the RFU Intermediate Cup saw us again narrowly lose at Heath Road, but this was a performance far removed from the debacle of the previous week. Whilst the Wids had the better of the opening minutes, both sides were willing to open the game out despite the wet and windy conditions. Both
defences were working well and it wasn’t until the 25th minutes that we took the lead with a try by Simon
Ensor following excellent work by forwards and backs. We extended our lead on the half hour when a neat chip down the blindside saw Jimmy Kidston win the race for the touchdown and a 10-0 lead at the break.

Early in the second half Widnes narrowed the gap with a converted try despite what appeared to be a knock on at the previous line out. Excellent work by Andrew Baston created a fine attacking position and following
further pressure by the pack, quick ball gave Mike Raikes the opportunity to cross for our third try of the day, and an eight point lead.

Widnes again came back with a well-worked try and put in the killer blow with five minutes remaining with their own third touchdown of the afternoon. For the Widnesians or any neutral watching the game this was a fine match, for the travelling Sale supporters it felt like injustice after an excellent team performance.

Neil Thallon