Preston Grashoppers 63 Widnes RUFC 14

WIDNES travelled to Lightfoot Green to play a side from three leagues above them in the first round of the Lancashire Cup.

The home side showed respect for the visitors though by picking 14 first choice players.

Widnes did well to hold out for the first few exchanges but a six-minute hat-trick by Hoppers skipper Anton Cramant ended the game as a contest.

At half time, Widnes were behind by 35-0 but started the second half in determined mood and went close through a Dave Welsh break. But Paul Borg was unable to hold onto a pass with the line in sight.

Widnes stayed in the home side's half and after prolonged pressure Michael Lamb picked up from a five-metre scrum and plunged over, Welsh added the extra points.

Widnes scored again with five minutes remaining, after putting the Preston line under pressure the ball was moved wide to the right and Borg was on hand to race over. Welsh kicked a superb touchline conversion.

Widnes introduced several substitutes in the second half, young Colt Andy O'Neil for his first senior appearance, and Rob McLean and Adam Loughnane, who nearly scored with his first touch of the ball.

The Wids back row of Rab Higgins, Ben Blackwell and Borg competed well but were over-powered by the bigger and faster hosts.

Hoppers centre, Sam Houston, scored 25 points with three tries and eight out of eight conversions.

This week, Widnes return to league action away to Caldy for the title decider (kick-off 2.30pm).