Wids lose but reflect on successful season

WIDNES RUFC were beaten 40-19 in what was their final game of the season at Bradwall Road.

- BY STEVE CLARK

The defeat also brought an end to their love affair with the Papa Johns cup competition which has been kind to them over the last two seasons, having won the National Plate Final at Darlington Mowden in 2023, and finishing runners-up in the Counties 1 Championship Final at Twickenham last May.

It was also the last match in charge for the coaching duo of Andy McIntosh and Paul Woodward, who are both standing down following a terrific spell in charge.

The Wids made a positive start in this game and led through an early score from Liam Lawton, but in the end they were beaten by a very good Sandbach team who recovered from the disappointment of missing out on promotion, to progress smoothly into the next round of the competition.

For the visitors, a busy pre-season now lies ahead for the club as they prepare for a second year at level six starting again in September.

Widnes got the game under way but were soon back in possession of the football through Nathan Chandler.

In what was a bright opening, the visitors then got their noses in front as quick hands sent Liam Lawton on a winding forty-five metre dash to the line for a try to open their account.