Despite the defeat, this was a very worthwhile game, played in driving rain during the first 40 minutes, which both sets of Coaches would have learned a lot about their respective players, especially Dave Peet and Dave Westhead.

The Wids can take a lot from the game.

Widnes were missing more than a handful of experienced players on the night, but it gave the chance for some of the other players to stake their claim.

On many occasions the Wids defence was superb with Dave Welsh, prominent, and they opened the scoring after 20 minutes. A great grubber kick through by George Lang deep into the opposition ‘22’ was taken by a Sedgley Park player but immediately pounced on by Dave Welsh, who then stripped the ball and fed Sheldon Johnson who dived over in the corner. The conversion was missed but Widnes led by 5-0pts.

Pressure from the Sedgley pack on the Wids try line resulted in the referee awarding a penalty try which was easily converted.

Park saw a lot of the ball in the second half, but there was outstanding Widnes defence on display, and when they did have possession, they looked dangerous with Gavin Hatton and George Lang prominent.

On approximately 50 mins Sedgley scored again from short range to make it 12 – 5.

The visitors used the opportunity to give some of their youngsters a run, Jamie Tamblyn and Phil Barker, plus the very promising Alex Cooke, who certainly did not look out of place.

Park scored two late converted tries to give the final score a slightly lop-sided look, but the coaches and the players will see this as a useful run-out before the real action starts this weekend with the Lancashire Trophy game against Tyldesley at Heath Road.

In summary; nobody let themselves down. The coaches have gleaned valuable information under match conditions. All the pack worked tirelessly, with some solid defensive work being the main feature of the night.

15. Kevin Leadbetter 14. Sheldon Johnson 13. Paul O'Connor 12. Dave Welsh 11. Anthony Leadbetter 10. George Lang 9. Gavin Hatton. 1. Gareth Moss. 2. Mark Brick. 3. Arnie. Haydock 4. Mark Field. 5. Matt Tindall. 6. Tom Tindall. 7. Rob Critchley ( Capt. ) 8. Jon Hetherington. Amongst Subs. Tom McMuldroch, Simon Alderson, Jamie Tamblyn, Phil Barker, Alex Cooke, Luke Nelson, Justin Winstanley