LOCAL timber company Finnforest are for the second year the sponsors of the Widnes amateur rugby league's annual competitions. Finnforest are also the main sponsors of Widnes Vikings.

This year's open-age games are now underway.

The competition sees the town's amateurs meet under the control of officials from the Widnes Referees' Society. Over the past few months the society has increased its membership from eight to 20 active officials covering a variety of ages and no doubt some new faces will get a run out.

The draw has produced some interesting ties.

In the top half of the draw Simms Cross played West Bank last week.

This week sees Widnes Ball meet Albert Park on Thursday, April 15 at Simms Cross. The winners of this game meet Simms Cross in the first semi final on Tuesday, April 20 at St Maries.

First round games kick-off at 6.30pm and the semi finals at 6.45pm.

On Wednesday, April 14 the final first round games sees a combined Widnes Tigers and West Bank Swan side meet Halton Farnworth Hornets again at Parklands. The winners of these two games meet in the second semi final at St Maries on Tuesday, April 27.

In the first game reformed West Bank from NWC division six met premier division giants Simms Cross who have already won the premier division title and the Lancashire cup.

The game went with form with Simms Cross gaining a 34-3 victory.

Simms Cross did not have it all their own way and the Bank only trailed 10-3 at half time.

A drop-goal from stand-off Leon Phillips put the Bank ahead after five minutes and they held the lead for 10 minutes.

Full back Paul Roberts got Simmies' first points with a penalty for holding down.

A try from young winger Stuart Stacey after 20 minutes and a 35th minute try by Paul Roberts completed Simmies' first half scoring.

Bank prop Danny Hale added a penalty goal following a high tackle on Leon Phillips that led to the dismissal of a Simmies player.

The Bank had not played for a few weeks and Simmies' match-sharpness as well as their skills told as the game progressed.

Second row Chris Nuttie was outstanding for the Bank with scrum half Brynn Pinnington, second row Tony Smith and full back Greg Lawrenson also prominent. It was Simmies who finally took control with hooker Mark O'Connor, stand-off Neil Percival, second row Neil Highfield and centre Paul Walsh, the pick of the Simmies side.

Simmies second half tries came from Lee Ashton, Mike Yearsley, Ste McDermott and two from Neil Percival who also added two conversions.

The final will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 3 at the Halton Stadium, kick-off 3pm.