The most uplifting game for quite some time, the absences from the 17 were an initial cause for concern, against what looked like a big strong side! Then to end up at 12 all when we were far the better side, looked ominous, as we have had an unfortunate habit of throwing games away after a bright start. Obviously a John Kear drilled team is made of sterner stuff and so it proved after the sending off. In the heat and down to 12 there seemed every likelihood that we would wilt and get overtaken.
Instead we did the opposite, aided by Newcastle missing their final try conversion attempt, keeping the scores tied at 26 a piece. The will to win was clearly evident, despite a fluffed drop attempt and a missed penalty, we kept pressing to finally see the one pointer sail between the sticks, from a planned move to Fleming, who had a real storming game. Instead of resting on our laurels and trying to see the game out (I had no idea how long was left after so many stoppages!), we kept pressing and that man Fleming forced his way over wide out and a superb touchline conversion secured the win. All that remained was to catch the ball from the KO and it was job done. As others have said such a shame there were not more there to see it
Fantastic game, a little like the Bradford game last year that we nicked at the end too. At 12-0 we were comfortable but gave them one with the intercept then reacted badly to the kick off on the full by giving away 2 penalties. Most teams will score from this.
Farnworth was outstanding and a run of games is allowing him to show us how good he is. Also think Fleming did everything right and actually full back is his best position.
4 wins is a good achievement although all teams have been below us in the table. Next week is a big task but we should be going into every game confident after that result.
Fair play to John Kear, he's certainly got some believe and intent back into the players.
Really enjoyed the game but not the nervousness at 26-all!
Agree with all the above sentiments, Fleming was super and never expected him to be putting the 1 point over
What a great performance from all players. As has been said, at 12-12 and 26-26, we would have folded earlier in the season. We were the better team and deserved the win. Some good tries too.
At least, we can go into next week’s game at Batley with a bit more confidence, but Batley are playing well lately and deserve their position in the league. Difficult to see a Widnes win, but you never know.
Kear has been able to get more out of the players, described as below NW Counties standard earlier in the season. Even Bent, who was described on here after a recent game, as the worst player ever to pull on a Widnes jersey, has put in a string of good performances. Let’s hope that this level of performance can be maintained for the rest of the season, making it difficult for the club to decide which players to retain and who to let go.
Players are playing for another contract so seem to be working harder
I'd like to see what Pauli Pauli gets after his leaping high tackle on the Batley player that was only deemed a worthy of a pen 🙄 by Mr Childs
So one was unintentionally as the player was falling into a tackle.. Red card and 2 games
The other was a a player that lept off his feet and closed-lined a player running at full speed.. just a pen.. but was yellow carded for an accidental trip later in the game that could see him banned
Games messed up
I'd like to see what Pauli Pauli gets after his leaping high tackle on the Batley player that was only deemed a worthy of a pen 🙄 by Mr Childs
So one was unintentionally as the player was falling into a tackle.. Red card and 2 games
The other was a a player that lept off his feet and closed-lined a player running at full speed.. just a pen.. but was yellow carded for an accidental trip later in the game that could see him banned
Games messed up
It's the referees who interprete the rules and decide on what decision to make - Mr Moore, who refereed both sides to different standards - ought not to have red carded Adam. No wonder he smirked at the south stand as he left the field.
We have had some poor referees this season, Mr Moore by far the worst and least even-handed.
I wonder if the club intend to challenge Lawton's suspension. On reflection, it probably would be a futile gesture.
My choice in the Prediction League of us beating Batley may not have been made had i known Lawton wouldn't be available!
Be interested to know whether the club used the mitigation of it being clearly caused by a late slip by their player?
Maybe they did and the Disciplinary don't care.
I'd like to see what Pauli Pauli gets after his leaping high tackle on the Batley player that was only deemed a worthy of a pen 🙄 by Mr Childs
So one was unintentionally as the player was falling into a tackle.. Red card and 2 games
The other was a a player that lept off his feet and closed-lined a player running at full speed.. just a pen.. but was yellow carded for an accidental trip later in the game that could see him banned
Games messed up
It's the referees who interprete the rules and decide on what decision to make - Mr Moore, who refereed both sides to different standards - ought not to have red carded Adam. No wonder he smirked at the south stand as he left the field.
We have had some poor referees this season, Mr Moore by far the worst and least even-handed.
It was a red card. It was unfortunate, but ultimately any contact with the head now is being punished that way. You can largely blame the litigation being brought by former players for that, but of course it's easier to bag referees without whom we wouldn't have a game to watch.
I never see any accusations on here that referee's are biased towards Widnes, funnily enough.
.....I never see any accusations on here that referee's are biased towards Widnes, funnily enough.
Maybe because there aren't any 😫
.....I never see any accusations on here that referee's are biased towards Widnes, funnily enough.
Maybe because there aren't any 😫
So you've never seen a referee have a shocker in a game that doesn't involve Widnes??
I'd like to see what Pauli Pauli gets after his leaping high tackle on the Batley player that was only deemed a worthy of a pen 🙄 by Mr Childs
So one was unintentionally as the player was falling into a tackle.. Red card and 2 games
The other was a a player that lept off his feet and closed-lined a player running at full speed.. just a pen.. but was yellow carded for an accidental trip later in the game that could see him banned
Games messed up
It's the referees who interprete the rules and decide on what decision to make - Mr Moore, who refereed both sides to different standards - ought not to have red carded Adam. No wonder he smirked at the south stand as he left the field.
We have had some poor referees this season, Mr Moore by far the worst and least even-handed.
It was a red card. It was unfortunate, but ultimately any contact with the head now is being punished that way. You can largely blame the litigation being brought by former players for that, but of course it's easier to bag referees without whom we wouldn't have a game to watch.
I never see any accusations on here that referee's are biased towards Widnes, funnily enough.
I agree the red was unfortunate.. so why the 2 match ban to go with it?
It's the inconsistencies from ref to ref that is frustrating. Pauli Paulis attempted tackle was much worse but only given as a pen.