Widnes Ball Bulldogs 46 Widnes Albert 0

THE Widnes Cup competition got under way this week with the town's newest side Widnes Ball, who have gained promotion from NWC Division Six, meeting Widnes Albert, who finished low down in Division Three.

The Ball took the lead after 10 minutes with a penalty from centre Mark Flanagan. Five minutes later a good run from Chris Lamey saw Flanagan beat two defenders for the first try of the game.

Lamey was next on the score sheet scooting over for a fine try. Flanagan converted and added his second try soon after.

Gareth Hartley scored the final try of the half when the Albert lost the ball at a scrum near their line.

Flanagan's conversion left the Ball ahead 26-0 at half time.

In the second half Flanagan completed his hat trick and added the conversion from the touchline. It took 20 minutes for the Ball to score again. Sub Andy Hartley crossed in the corner following quick passing at a scrum.

M.O.M Flanagan then turned provider when he sent stand off Paul Tobin over. Tobin converted this and the last minute try from Chris Lamey.

The Albert's best were stand off Paul George, loose forward Alan Ditchfield and second row Ian Abrams.

For the Ball Mark Flanagan pipped Gareth Hartley for the M.O.M award. Paul Tobin and Terry Vickers also impressed for the Ball.

The Premiership tie between Farnworth and St Maries takes place at Simms Cross's Dundalk Road pitch on April 30.

Widnes Albion and Simms Cross were awarded their first round games as Widnes Tigers and West Bank pulled out of the competition.

The first semi final between Simms Cross and Widnes Ball takes place at St Maries ground on May 1.

The other semi final between Widnes Albion and Farnworth or St Maries takes place at Parklands on May 7. All games kick-off at 6.45pm with referees from the Widnes Society in control. The final is on Saturday, May 11 at the Halton Stadium.

Two of the town's u18s sides meet in a challenge game at 1.30pm, St Maries, Simms Cross and Halton Hornets are playing off for the honour. The open-age final follows this game at 3pm.