Saints march on to retain league crown

Aug 14 2008 by Angela Taylor, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

Widnes Saints 28 New Broughton R 12

WIDNES Saints retained their title as Co-operative Regional winners of the Rugby League Conference after overcoming a tremendous effort from Salford’s New Broughton.

The opening points went to the hosts when Craig Millington’s kick deceived opposition full-back Alex Clemie and Dan Baker for Chris Cartledge to race ahead and score under the posts.

Ryan Millington converted the first of his four successful kicks of the day.

Yet the Saints were to score no more points in a half dominated by silly penalties and ferocious defence from the visitors.

Jez Whitfield, Ben Bailey and Craig Duggan all went close only to be repelled by the visitors’ excellent defence.

Hardworking props Mark Greenhalgh and Mark Salisbury led the attack, prompted by the inspirational Neil Kirwan who coolly slotted home two penalties to give his side a 6-4 half-time lead.

Rangers drew level straight after the break, only for Saints to respond.

Ben Bailey’s break created space to allow man-of-the- match Brian Gill to race home.

New Broughton hit back immediately with a converted try to go two points clear.

The Millington brothers linked up well, as Ryan broke free from 40 metres to feed Craig to go under the sticks.

With the visitors now on the back foot, the Millington brothers again combined to find Gill out wide who scored.

The outstanding Jamie Edge intercepted well near his own line to feed Mike Stevenson, who linked with Danny Sharples to release Craig Millington to race in for a Ryan Millington converted try to finish the game.

Saints: Danny Sharples, Chris Cartledge, Jez Whitfield, Andy Benson, Mike Stevenson, Ryan Millington, Craig Millington, Ben Bailey, Jamie Edge, John Cuerdon, Tony Hannon, Craig Duggan, Chris Freeman. Subs: Adam Prendergast, Brian Gill, Mark Grady, Gary McKeown.

Try scorers: Chris Cartledge, Craig Millington (2), Brian Gill (2). Goals: Ryan Millington (4).

Widnes Saints now play Moorends-Thorne Marauders of Doncaster in the National Play-Off quarter-final at Saddleworth ARLFC on Saturday.