It was a challenging contest and with grit, determination and work rate, the team got what they deserved. Relentless tackling saw them through with a couple of special moments that lit the match up.

The first half was tight and well controlled from all involved, a couple of half breaks and near misses from the Wids with the only score being a penalty from Lucas Tuihalamaka, HT 0-3.

In the second half, Widnes had to tackle for their lives and never stopped pushing forward with the ball but somehow found themselves 5-3 down going into the last quarter. Then from good ball and quick handling, Cian Winstanley skipped a couple of defenders and ran 70 yards down the right flank to get over for a wonderful individual try and an important score, 5-8.

Wigan came roaring back but Widnes held firm, spoiling and challenging and from such a breakdown, Ben Barraclough picked a ball out of the air and ran the reminder of the field to score under the posts for another fabulous individual try.

Lucas Tuihalamaka converted to make it 5-15 with just minutes remaining.

The author was behind the posts and his eyesight is not what it used to be, so Ben and Cian can decide whose effort was the furthest, but both showed that the teams fitness cannot be questioned when under such pressure and scoring fantastic tries.

Despite it feeling like the game was over and only a matter of seconds to go, Wigan pulled a score back with some quick decision making from the kick off, to make a very nervy ending, but Widnes held on deservedly for a FT 10-15 score.

A huge positive is how the boys demonstrated the ability to turn defence into attack. An outstanding display of defence, from the full squad of 20 who all played their part this morning, well done boys!