They scored five tries in all through Tom O’Neill (2), Jacob Harris, Bobby Finch and Jack Krause, and puts them in great heart ahead of what is a very important couple of weeks coming up with home matches against West Park in the Lancashire Cup, and then Northwich in the league.

In what was a terrific team performance built on the back of some great defence, they were led from the front by the outstanding trio of talisman captain Tom O'Neill, scrum half Gavin Hatton and second row Mike Garrity, ably supported by the new breed of youngsters – including debutant Nathan Chandler on the wing - who all continue to progress at a rapid rate.

This was their fifth victory of the campaign which leaves them happy with their progress thus far on 24 points and in fifth spot in the table.

The weather for the game was grey and overcast, with a stiff chilly breeze blowing straight down the pitch which then later faded away.

The artificial pitch meant that the fixture was going to provide a quick and frantic affair with lots of open rugby on show.

And that was how it started with both teams looking to secure an early advantage.

After Jack Krause had been denied following a foot in touch, it was left to Gavin Hatton to make a midfield break which ended with Jacob Harris taking matters into his own hands to cross wide out for his first try in senior colours.

After 20 minutes, Burnage should have got back on level terms after a mazy run from Joe Wrigley, but the Wids scrambling defence held firm to thwart the threat.

The home side continued to apply some pressure, but when they failed to get over the line for a second time, it gave the ‘red-and-blacks’ the opportunity to turn defence into attack and respond in style with a super team try covering 60 metres which ended with Bobby Finch touching down behind the posts that offered Josh Salter an easy conversion attempt.

Not to be outdone, Burnage were able to reply, and five minutes later Michael Quinn burst his way over the line for a try which was converted by stand-off James Clarke.

In no mood to compromise, the visitors then hit back, and more crisp handling from distance ended with Jack Krause touching down for their third try along with a 17 – 7 half time advantage.

With the grey skies darkening further and the floodlights now on, the home side began the second half strongly, and after some further pressure, number eight Louis Hicks picked up to go over for a try which was again goaled by Clarke to make it game on again at 17 – 14.

After introducing both Keiron Arndell and Rio Hamlett, later to be followed by Kevin Leadbetter, Widnes were then denied another opportunity as Jack Krause was pulled back for offside as he raced clear.

The visitors were not going to be denied for long through, and after 65 minutes, some smart thinking from Tom O’Neill saw the captain take a quick tap from a penalty and power his way over the line for a bonus point try.

The home side weren’t finished yet though, and with eight minutes left, their forwards got to work close to the line to add a further converted try.

With just a point in it now, the next score was going to be vital, and fortunately it went the way of the visitors as Tom O’Neill showed immense strength and power to barge his way over the line for his second try of the afternoon.

Kevin Leadbetter then held his nerve to add the vital conversion to put the ‘red-and-blacks’ two scores ahead.

Widnes then had a player despatched to the sin-bin, and stand-off Clarke converted the subsequent penalty to reduce the deficit to just five points.

The dying embers saw Burnage throw everything they had at the Wids in an effort to grab something from this match, but as they tried to force the pace the errors crept in and the visitors were able to see out the final few minutes to go on and secure an important victory.

Head coach Andy McIntosh said afterwards " That was an outstanding performance today from the lads. Burnage is not an easy place to come and play, so to win in the manner that we did was very rewarding.

The energy and enthusiasm was great, our defence set the tone which forced some errors and frustration, then on the back of that we played with real purpose scoring some great tries and really took the game to them.

They had a late charge which we expected, but we managed to continue to defend well for 80 minutes and close out the game to secure the full points. There were lots of stand out performances today and a real team effort”.

Widnes: J Krause, B Finch, L George, E Price, N Chandler, J Salter, G Hatton, D Rourke, P Makles, M Lawton, M Garrity, J Harris, M Jones, W Patient, T O’Neill (c). Reps: R Hamlett, K Arndell, K Leadbetter.