Whitehaven 18 Widnes Vikings 22

Sep 6 2007 By Martin Lace, Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News

MIGHTY Mick Nanyn notched his 390th point of the season - two more than his own previous campaign record at the Halton Stadium club.

This helped Widnes dig deep to get past Whitehaven in a tricky test at the Recreation Ground.

Nanyn, who has held the points-in-a-season record for each of his three clubs, including Whitehaven, was on form with the boot.

He contributed three goals to the Vikings' hard-fought victory in Cumbria.

But head coach McCormack wasn't overjoyed with his side's display - even though they fought hard for victory.

He said: 'It was an ugly win but it was a win. Any victory here is a good win and the players had to work extremely hard for the points.

'We didn't play particularly well but the effort was there. The players are tired now but it was good tackling practice for the play-offs.'

Fans predicting a repeat of the Northern Rail Cup final were in for a shock and Steve McCormack's men had to show workmanlike quality to grind out a victory.

McCormack insists maintaining that winning feeling is one of the most important aspects of rugby at this stage of the season.

Vikings will go to the Jungle in two weeks with three valuable wins under their belt, providing Castleford don't slip up at Rochdale - a Tigers victory is a nailed-on certainty - and Widnes ease past Batley.

Widnes have shown quality with the ball all season but this win was more about their defensive mettle and the manner in which they had to withstand the late pressure as Haven looked to steal it.

When Scott Grix raced in early doors, it seemed as though Widnes could run away with it. But Haven, still smarting from their cup final humiliation, hit back.

Their recovery didn't come before the Vikings had steamed over again through Damien Blanch after Dennis Moran had chipped perfectly for the Aussie winger.

The Vikings' scoring sequence was halted, however, when Steve Maden touched down after Rob Jackson had forced his way through.

Carl Rudd goaled to reduce the deficit but Gavin Dodd replied by showing good pace and strength to cross for a 16-6 lead with Nanyn having landed two goals.

Widnes knew they were in for a tough ride and Rudd confirmed that straight after the second-half restart.

Rudd, Haven's best player at Blackpool, was a thorn in Widnes' side again and finished off a superb solo run to power over.

It was game-on again - until Dodd went over for his second of the afternoon.

Even then, Widnes were by no means out of trouble and when Craig Calvert helped himself to a four-pointer, the Vikings began to worry.

The game was on a knife edge but Haven's pressure eased temporarily as Richard Fletcher was binned with 15 minutes to go for holding down in the tackle.

Referee Peter Taberner evened things up for the same offence minutes later to reduce both sides to 12 - Aaron Summers being given 10 minutes.

Haven looked to take the initiative and a huge amount of pressure was exerted on the Vikings' weary bodies.

Rudd and Leroy Joe looked to make an opening but time and again the Widnes defence was up to the task.

Questions were again asked of Widnes as Bob Beswick was sinbinned for a late charge on Rudd, but 'Haven couldn't make the most of their brief advantage.

Whitehaven: Broadbent; Calvert, Seeds, Jackson, Maden; Joe, Rudd; Trindall, Smith, Fatialofa, Baldwin, Fletcher, McAvoy. Subs: Sice, Hill, Jackson, Wright.

Tries: Maden, Rudd, Calvert.

Goals: Rudd (3)

Widnes: Grix; Blanch, Kohe-Love, Nanyn, Dodd; Moran, Penny; Summers, Smith, Wilkes, Tomkins, Noone, Beswick. Subs: Cassidy, James, Webster, Doran.

Tries: Dodd (2), Grix, Blanch.

Goals: Nanyn (3).

Referee: Mr P Taberner.

Attendance: 2,360 Match rating: ** (out of five).

MOM: Gavin Dodd (pictured).