Brods into last four of Intermediate Cup after comfortable win over Widnes

The visitors were unable to live with the pace and power of the home side and the Woodhead defence remained strong and disciplined against a talented Widnes side.

Brods will now represent the North in the semi-final against Midlands champions Leighton Buzzard on their own ground in a game scheduled to be played on April 11.

The Hipperholme boys set about their task from the start, playing composed rugby to control the game and dominate both possession and territory.

Good quality line out ball delivered by Ben Hoyle set the scene and, with a controlled drive gaining at least 10 metres to take them close to the Widnes line, the Brods forwards provided a great platform for an eager back line.

A smart inside pass found Michael Briggs who burst through for the first try which Christian Georgiou converted to provide an early 7-0 lead.

The forward pack were dominating play and the backs created plenty of space after 12 minutes for Dom Georgiou to cross the line. Brother Chris converted from the touchline to extend the lead to 14-0.

Widnes recovered their composure to take the game to their hosts and they earned a line out themselves close to the Brod’s try line . Aaron Duggan combined with Josh Kenyon to get Arnie Haydock the ball and sheer power took him over the whitewash to keep the North West champions in the game. The try was converted by Andy Owens to make it 14-7.

But with two Widnes players in the sin bin, Brods quickly added a third try with their dominant forward pack driving to the Widnes line and Bennie Pritchett crossing from close quarters.

A further infringement allowed Brods to convert another penalty and extend the lead to 22-7, but as the clock ticked down to half time Widnes’ Arnie Haydock crashed over for his second try and make the half time score 22-12.

Brods stretched their lead when wingman Jason Dodd crossed in the corner to make the score 27–12.

With weather conditions worsening, Brods had to work hard up the hill and they confirmed their superiority when a sequence of pick and drives took them to the Widnes line and it was Ben Hoyle who touched down for the final try, leaving Christian Georgiou with another difficult conversion from touch to make the game safe.