Widnes Vikings 30, Leigh Centurions 12

Mar 25 2008 by Ian Cheveau, Liverpool Daily Post

LEE Paterson’s understanding with Tim Hartley could prove to be the difference in Widnes’ season after the pair linked up to steer the Vikings to victory over Co-operative National League 1 favorites Leigh Centurions at Stobart Stadium Halton.

Hartley crossed twice and landed seven goals from seven attempts as Widnes outclassed the Centurions from the first minute to the last.

Paterson, fresh from his second half heroics at Batley last Friday, continued his inspired form as he fired the passes that gave Widnes and Hartley the boost they needed to get the better of Leigh and get the season off to the best possible start. Widnes coach Steve McCormack said: "Lee is a real confidence player and he needs the big games to get going. He came off the bench and played a big role in winning the game at Batley and he has backed that performance up today.

"Lee and Tim Hartley are developing a real understanding now and that is just what we want." We knew it would take a few games to settle in but now the two of them are hitting it off really well.’

The duo were in sparkling form for their new club but they were not alone.

Although the ball playing pivots will receive all the plaudits, the hard yards were gained by impressive props Iain Morrison and Jim Gannon who stepped up to the plate after some indifferent displays.

McCormack added: ‘Those two players are really experienced and I asked them a few questions this week and they have given us the answers in their performance – they were standouts for us, along with Scott Yates."

The Vikings made amends for their slow starts to games by coming out the blocks like Olympic sprinters. The play-the-balls were electric and following a series of drives they were over after only 120 seconds of play as Mark Smith fired out a fizzing pass to Morrison.

Hartley converted and knocked over a penalty goal to stretch Widnes’ lead further before Steve Maden clawed one back for the visitors. Hartley hit back for Widnes with eight points in three minutes as he landed a goal and raced over for a well worked try. Mark Roberts gave Leigh a lifeline before the break but it was against the run of play.

The Centurions were fortunate to be in it at 16-8 but Widnes’ vice-like grip of the contest grew stronger when Paterson and Hartley combined again.

Another goal from Hartley put Widnes out of sight and when Ian Hardman scored out wide – forcing the ball down superbly in the corner – the contest was over.

Leigh’s Nathan McAvoy went over late on but it was merely a consolation.