DESPITE putting up a much improved performance, Chorley Lynx slipped to yet another defeat, this time at the hands of championship chasing Widnes Vikings.

Lynx certainly were not 34 points worse than Widnes, having put the visitors under pressure for long spells during the 80 minutes, but once again the inability to capitalise on some good rugby cost them dear.

After the game Lynx coach Graham West said: "Considering the team was under strength I was more than pleased with the performance, during the week I lost Brian Capewell due to work commitments and Dale Christy who decided to leave the club on top of that Stuart Dickinson, Lee Prest and Anthony Roberts were all missing through either injury or illness.

"I was happy with some of our attacking options, but disappointed that we are still being caught out in defence at vital moments, but that is something that we will continue to work on. I thought Mike Prescott was outstanding and was well supported by Mike Farrell and Phil Harrison."

Lynx started well pinning Widnes back and in the sixth minute were unlucky to have a try disallowed for a knock on. The first real pressure from Widnes brought them two tries in two minutes, both converted by Ian Watson.

Lynx were then reduced to 12 tries in two minutes, both converted by Ian Watson. Lynx were then reduced to 12 men for 10 minutes when skipper Ian Talbot was sent to the sin bin, but Lynx held out well until the 31st minute when ex-Lynx man Jason Demetriou went over, again converted by Watson.

Widnes then extended their lead further, right on the half time hooter when Steve Argent managed to crash over again converted by Watson to give them a 24-0 advantage. Lynx started the second half well and were rewarded with a try from Mike Prescott, but Widnes hit back within two minutes with a try from Phil Coussons. Lynx continued to play some excellent rugby and were again rewarded with a try from Mike Farrell converted by Stuart Fisher.

It took Widnes until the 67th minute to show their class when they ran in three tries in four minutes to put the game well out of Lynx's reach. However, Lynx continued to battle hard and Andy Friar reduced the arrears four minutes from time but Widnes had the last word with Simon Knox completing his hat trick right on the final whistle.