Albert Park 8 Widnes St Maries A 6

THIS was a hard fought pre-season friendly with both sides putting in a superb defensive performance which will give both sides confidence for when the season starts properly this Saturday.

The match was played in four, 20-minute quarters and, due to the ferocious tackling from both sides, the first ended scoreless.

A good spell of pressure from the Albert resulted in Dave Laughton going over for a try from acting half back giving the home side a 4-0 interval lead.

St Maries began to get on top in the third quarter with half backs Scott and Mark Birmingham prominent and it came as no surprise when they took the lead when a kick through was touched down by Keiron Walker, despite the protests from the Albert players.

Chris Fenlon added the goal points to give St Maries a 6-4 lead.

St Maries, who had Kev Birmingham, Ste O'Brien and Ron Worton all working hard, looked to be holding on for a narrow win but with just five minutes remaining, the Albert had other ideas and it was Alan Ditchfield who supplied the pass to put Stu Ward over for the match-winning try.

The Albert were well served in the backs by Hornby, Mellor and Walton while Deex and Abram were the pick of the forwards.

There were also good displays from Jay Wainwright and Robbie Haining who were making their debuts.

Albert Park this week begins their league programme when Woolston Rovers visit Parklands.

The game kicks off at 2.30pm and all Albert players and officials have been asked to meet for 1pm.