WIDNES found themselves hamstrung at Aspull but couldn't have been more relieved.

The referee pulled up with a hamstring injury, forcing an abandonment of Saturday's game with the Wids 7-5 down to the Powergen North Two West's bottom-placed club.

Had the game ended after the hour mark, the score would have stood and Aspull could have claimed victory.

Aspull, without a victory so far this season, had bossed the first half and defied their rock-bottom position.

Against a woeful Wids, they took the lead with a 14th-minute try by Graham Mack-ay on 14 minutes, converted by Graham Bennett.

The visitors' only chance of the half was when Michael Bowles chipped ahead for Peter Van Loo to chase but he was tackled short.

With coach Paul Newall's criticism ringing in their ears, the second-half performance was much improved.

On 48 minutes, Rab Higgins hoisted a high ball for which he chased and competed.

The ball was knocked down to Adam Loughnane, who showed quick hands to pass to the supporting Steve Morgan. The former Halton flanker released Tommy Ledson to charge down the wing and score at the corner.

Phil Glover was wide with the conversion attempt.

Aspull only ventured once into the Widnes half during the second period before the contest was ended.

Widnes go to high-flying Penrith on Saturday.

Widnes 2nds 28 Lymm 3: Widnes proved they were up to the task in a top-of-the-table battle which was every bit as tough as expected.

The forward clash was even with the Widnes front three of Alderson, Brick and Young in uncompromising mood.

Widnes dominated territory but the visitors held firm in the first quarter before snapping under the pressure.

Field blasted his way over the line for an unconverted try, answered on the half-hour by a penalty. But just before half-time, Evans put Widnes five points clear with a well-taken penalty.

Playing downhill, Widnes constantly pressed a defence which reverted to being stubborn until Evans broke through for Liam Wilde to go under the posts, after brushing off would-be defenders.

Evans converted and Widnes might have scored a glut of tries but for final passes going to ground.

However, Logan made several fine breaks and from one such move, Evans added a converted try. The scorer landed two more penalties.

This Saturday's game is away to Dukinfield (players to meet at the club for 11.45am).