Waterhead had led 12-10 on the hour with tries from Craig Highton and Dale Lowe – plus two conversions from Carl Sneyd had given Waterhead the edge, before the home side rallied.

Second rower David Jones – who had crossed for the games first try on two minutes – got Widnes back in front with 18 minutes remaining and he was followed over the line three minutes later by Jack White as St Mellor added his second conversion.

Waterhead thought they had set up a grandstand finish, however the try was harshly ruled out, before Jones completed his hat-trick to seal the points for West Bank in the dying minutes.