THE league table doesn't lie and second-from-top Widnes pulled rank over their next-to-bottom rivals in this South Lancs-Cheshire derby.

It was far from one-way traffic, however, and the Wids were in danger of losing their bearings after a promising start.

The visitors finished the contest strongly in terms of territory, but Widnes held them off to complete the celebrations at Heath Road after events Down Under earlier in the day.

Mike Lamb scored the only try for the Wids with the decisive contribution coming from Stu Hussey.

He notched a conversion, three penalties and a drop goal.

Birchfield's touchdown came from Paul Ashton with Ben Royle kicking a couple of penalties.

Widnes were well served by skipper Richard Barraclough and also Steve Bickerstaffe.