IN atrocious conditions, Wirral comfortably overcame a resilient Widnes side to take revenge for their only defeat of the season, writes Richard McNeil.

Widnes, playing with the gale force wind and rain behind them, took an early lead when full back Smith converted a penalty wide-out from 45-metres when the ball hit the crossbar and bounced over.

Three minutes later, the only fluent move of the game saw James Annetts come into the line and drew the defence before passing to Ali Baker who had an unopposed run to score in the corner, the try was not converted.

Play was then restricted to the Wirral half as Widnes used the wind to their advantage, but failed to convert territory into points.

Wirral had one opportunity to score with a half break by Craig Harvey who passed to James Annetts, but he was tackled inches from the line.

Wirral were happy to get to half-time with a slender 5-3 lead.

At the start of the second-half, Wirral were soon on the attack and exerting pressure on the Widnes line.

The away team, looking to run the ball from their own line, fumbled in-goal and Chris Speed was first to react for the touchdown.

James Annetts converted to extend Wirral’s lead to 12-3.

Much as Wirral attacked, they could not find their way over the line and gave away penalties in promising positions.

Wirral's final try came in the 56th minute, an outstanding forward effort from a lineout 25m out.

Ryan Stead caught cleanly and the maul drove towards the Widnes line; backs joined in to add weight and Paul Lewis touched down, the conversion was missed.

Despite best efforts, Wirral could not put the moves together to score the bonus point fourth try, but this win keeps Wirral at the top of league and two points ahead of Birkenhead Park, who had a resounding win over Liverpool St. Helens.