Widnes St Maries 12 Haydock 14 HAYDOCK fought off a strong challenge from newly-promoted St Maries as they opened their league programme.

They began brightly, with the wind at their backs, as Scott, Green and Bloor made good ground.

But Maries took the lead with a penalty after 10 minutes and a minute later added a drop goal.

Haydock went close several times only for the final pass to go astray. And to make matters worse, Maries' international stand-off sidestepped his way over to make it 9-0.

After the break Haydock fell further behind to a penalty goal and a drop goal. It looked even blacker for Haydock, when they were reduced to 11 men through sin-binning.

But with 20 minutes to go Haydock finally clicked into gear. Good work near the line allowed Ireland to go over for a try he also converted.

And with 10 minutes to go Bloor darted over to make it 12-10.

With time running out Bloor made 30 yards and his overhead pass sent young winger on a 30-yard dash to the line.

Best for Haydock were Bloor, Ireland, Green and Scott.

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