Visiting rugby club Widnes narrowly defeated Douglas Rugby Club at Port E Chee on Saturday (September 14).
Widnes, promoted last season to Regional Two North West, were on the rack for the opening half hour as Douglas took a ten point lead in to the break and looked set to accelerate away with a second half breeze at their backs.
Ralph Clarke rumbled over for a 20th minute try as the Douglas scrum looked in command, and Josh Duncan’s 32nd minute score as Douglas countered and scorched down the left promised more.
Luca Simmons converted a Douglas penalty, a drop-goal attempt came back off the crossbar shortly before the break, and a penalty goal apiece for 13-3 was as good as it got.
Widnes Defence
The visiting team were comfortable in defence, and combined with able ball retention for long tracts, Douglas began to come off the rails in the second period.
Simmons retired injured, Cal Dentith replaced, and Richard Bell off the bench re-enforced the pack, but it was out wide where Douglas were uncharacteristically vague.
The breeze perhaps lessened slightly, and while territory was gained off the boot, possession was gifted and Widnes didn’t need second invitations.
A 55th minute try from winger Gilholly’s counter attack, converted by Whitehead, galvanised Widnes at 13-10, and as the Douglas attack offered little, so Widnes came stronger.
Conor Garland was yellow carded, and when Gilholly poached his second try in the 75th minute for 13-15, it seemed the game was up.
Then Widnes were down to 14 men after referee James Evans flourished the red-card for a neck roll as Douglas mustered some pick and go up front to earn a late penalty, but with kicker Simmons sidelined, the opportunity was pushed wide.
The finished score was Douglas 13 – 15 Widnes.
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