Great come back just not quite enough for battling Greens

The good start however only resulted in a combination of some resolute Widnes defending and too many incomplete plays from Wigton which meant the scorer was untroubled. Not for the only occasion during the afternoon the Widnes outside backs suddenly cut loose and took play 80 metres to put pressure on the Wigton line.

Widnes took their opportunity well, as firstly Stuart Creighton was rather harshly sent to the bin and from the resulting catch and drive Mike Hall forced his way over for a converted try 7 - 0.

Widnes went on to dominate the next 10 minutes as firstly rangy centre David Welsh exploited a gap to gallop through from 25 metres and then winger Paul O'Connor pounced on some loose blind side possession to race away 40 metres and compound the Wigton agony. 17 - 0.

It was then Widnes who, not for the first time transgressed at the ruck and were issued with the yellow. Although missing an earlier 40 metre attempt Smith opened the Wigton account with 3 points. 17 - 3.

However, Wigton cheers were short lived as a rather ambitious line out ploy went awry and the score suddenly became 24 - 3 . Winger O' Connor was the benefactor yet again of an inept phase of play.

Half time - 24 - 3.

At half time Russ McLean replaced Lindsay Walker and shortly after Andrew Brown moved to 9 as Fergus Ledingham had to take time out following a ruck incident. Young Richard Jackson joined the fray at flank forward.

Wigton supporters were urging the 'greens ' to raise their game and after a series of close quarter forays it was Mark Lee who benefitted from a Hanabury offload to surge over from 10. Wigton were enjoying their best period so far as the forwards responded to the promptings of their captain and began to play. An effective forward drive saw the score move on as Atkinson touched down and the board showed 24 - 15. Smith was unable to convert but importantly Wigton were back in the game.

However, Wigton joy was short lived as on 65 minutes some enterprising Widnes handling took play 60 metres on the counter and impressive flanker Garrity completed the strike. 29 - 15

Wigton responded with purpose, again making good ground through robust forward play and with the Widnes pack wilting referee Smith was deemed a tad lenient with their attempts to slow the game - Mr. Smith finally succumbed to the promptings of the Green support and awarded a penalty! Dave Hanabury sparked a sharp counter and he was on hand to provide a sublime pass to Jordan Wood who went over . 29 - 20.

However, it was the pacy Widnes wide men who had the last word as on 76 minutes Widnes M O M kevin Leadbetter crossed and tagged on two points and wind things up at 36 - 20.

Wigton will reflect on an impressive opening salvo which came to nought, some uncharacteristic and ineffective strike carries and at times some undermanned defensive structures. There were many positives, not least the impressive response to a 24 -3 deficit situation and the continued ability to secure set piece possession effectively. With 22 games to go players will have time to respond. There were strong individual games from Will Miller behind and Stuart Creighton up front but skipper Andy Brown took the port following a typically robust and inspiring display.