WIDNES made the lengthy journey to Cumbria with an 18 man squad with an average age of 23.
These included four 19-year-olds and one 18 year-old.
Several 'regular' players were unavailable for this tough trip to Penrith, who are joint top of North Two West with three other teams.
The hosts scored 11 unanswered tries but this young Widnes team never let their heads drop in freezing conditions.
Nine former WidsKids were included in the squad and Mark Whit-field played his first senior game since breaking his leg four years ago.
The Wids have a seasonal break until January 8 when Lymm visit Heath Road.
Dukinfield 25 Widnes 2nd 10: As hard as they tried - and, it has to be said it was a gallant effort - Widnes could not overcome their initial problem which saw them reduced to just 13 players because of first-team calls, illness and work commitments.
At the same time, Dukinfield, who were without a first team game, were able to field several first teamers in their line-up.
On a quagmire pitch, the home side kept absolute control of the game through their experienced pack and were content to maul their way through the entire game.
At half-time, Dukinfield led 15-3, thanks to three rolling, maul tries against a solitary penalty for Widnes from Evans.
In the second half, Morgan, Wiles, Saunders and Edwards made significant in-roads for Widnes and eventually Evans scored a fine try.
However their dour opponents stuck resolutely to their game plan and added two more tries from rolling mauls. The next Widnes 2nd game is a home fixture against Blackburn on January 8 (players meet at 12.30).
Training is as normal over the Christmas break.
