Wirral RUFC 7 Widnes RUFC 13

A DOUBLE celebration was in order for Widnes at the Memorial Ground as they kept their unbeaten league run going and welcomed back Stuart Hussey after serious injury.

Hussey replaced Paul Newall early in the second half after the veteran half back failed to shake off a first half knock.

Newall had bossed the opening half as the visitors shot to a 10 point lead with tries by wingers Paul Bruchez and Tommy Ledson.

Wirral had little to offer and where clearly the weakest team the Wids had faced so far this season, but the habit of not taking their chances and indiscipline could have cost Widnes dearly.

In the second half Widnes had two players sin-binned and for a period were down to 13 men.

Two last ditch tackles kept out the home side as Widnes showed resilience in defence.

It was not until the 76th minute that Wirral breeched the visitor's line when winger Ian White crossed and Mike Beamish converted.

The only Widnes points in the second half came from Dave Welch's boot when he converted a penalty in the 46th minute.

Widnes were another 20 points better than the score suggested but after great breaks by Mike Field and Hussey, the ball was lost or the team was penalised.

Widnes has a week off this week but then face fellow title contenders Caldy at home.