Stockport 60, Widnes 11: THE result only mirrored the gulf between two sides separated by the whole of the North Two West division.

Widnes suffered a comprehensive defeat by a rampant Stockport side - Twickenham bound in the Powergen Intermediate Trophy final and leading the way to North One.

With preparations having been disrupted during the week because of the bad weather, Widnes seemed to have forgotten everything good which had contributed to several encouraging performances.

They also had to contend with late changes in the pack. Liam Wilde returned to the front row alongside Adam Loughnane.

Wing forward Tom Farmer made his full debut and centre Tony Fretwell made the bench for the first time.

Widnes went behind in the first minute when Yorkshire referee Steve Daley penalised the back row for not binding at a scrum - stand-off Jones kicking an easy penalty.

For the next ten minutes Widnes held their own as the pack kept possession and drove forward. However, from a Widnes lineout, Stockport gained possession to run in a try from 35 metres.

Widnes were on the scoresheet three minutes later with Andy O'Neill deftly slotting over his first of two penalty kicks, awarded for offside at a ruck.

But when Widnes kicked away possession close to their opponents' 22, Stockport were able to run the ball back to go under the posts.

Unfortunately, this was also to happen on a further four occasions, enabling the home side to punish the visitors severely.

Widnes's only glimmer of light came 20 minutes into the second half. Veteran Tommy made a telling interception on his own 22.

He kicked ahead and used his pace to hit the opposition 22. Stockport recovered, but a misplaced reverse pass under pressure found debutant Tony Fretwell, who offloaded for Ledson to grab a simple try.

Unfortunately, this only represented a false dawn for the visitors.

Poor defence allowed the home side to bring up their half century of points after 76 minutes.

This was immediately followed by a carbon-copy score.

The coaching staff will be hoping lessons can be learned as they can prepare their side for the visit of another in-form team, Rochdale, to Heath Road this weekend.

Widnes 2nd 30, Glossop 14 WIDNES' investment in youth paid off in biting cold and despite difficult pitch conditions and a Glossop fightback.

The visitors' front three of 18-year-old props Morton and McGloughlin plus Brick, 20, at hooker, turned in a top show in the first half.

Well-controlled rolling mauls allowed firstly Morton and then Bruce to touchdown.

Gradually, scrum-half Cookson set the backs alight, resulting in tries from Andy Ruane and Gary Whitfield.

Whitfield's penalty just before half-time made it 23-0.

Glossop started the second half with renewed vigour. Once under pressure, Widnes struggled to recover their form and a normally-resolute defence was twice easily breached.

With two converted tries under the belts, it looked as if Glossop might cross again.

Only good tactical kicking by Cookson and Ruane enabled Widnes to regain territory.

McGloughlin picked up a loose ball to storm between the sticks for his first senior try. Whitfield's conversion ended the game.

The seconds travel to Winnington Park on Saturday.