A purple patch either side of half time got Widnes over the finishing at Heath Road.

An early penalty from Kevin Leadbetter was cancelled out by a New Brighton penalty try, before Widnes regained the initiative with tries from Mike Garrity, Paul O’Connor and Chris Atkin to lead 22 – 7 at the break.

Further tries from Welsh and O’Connor extended their lead before New Brighton replied with two scores to reduce the arrears.

In a see-saw last ten minutes, both teams scored a further try each, before centre Paul McLindon had the last word scoring a try with a strong burst down the touchline to round things off.