Widnes keep up the pressure in Division One

Jul 23 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

NATIONAL League Division One challengers Widnes scored two tries in a barnstorming last 10 minutes to seal a narrow victory to keep them in second.

Whitehaven looked to have avenged their defeat in last week’s Northern Rail Cup final against the same opponents when they led 14-6 after 70 minutes but when winger Damien Blanch squeezed over in the corner from Dennis Moran’s precise kick to make it 14-10, Widnes suddenly sensed a way back.

Five minutes later, centre Mick Nanyn swept on to a pass to burst through the cover and go round behind the posts for a try he converted himself to win the game.

Widnes had taken the lead in the first half with a trademark Moran interception try, but Whitehaven deserved to be ahead at half-time thanks to a try from Marc Jackson and two Carl Rudd goals.

Derry Eilbeck crossed on 44 minutes for a try which Rudd improved.

Winger Danny Williams ran in a hat-trick of tries as National League Division One leaders Castleford overcame a sending off to demolish Batley by 42-6.