HISTORY was made in Widnes on Sunday as new Rugby League club Accrington Panthers got their first victory in only their third league outing.
From the off the Swans were struggling to contain this determined Panthers and gave a penalty away as they tried to slow things down.
Two drives from Jamie Patterson and Matt Balkwell set the platform for a backline move. Standoff Leon Fifield then sent a superb pass to fullback Ashley O’Rourke who raced onto the ball to go over for the first try, converted from wide out by Fifield to make it 6-0.
It was also important for the Panthers to build on this good start, and they did.
Impressive prop forward Jamie Patterson made another great charge forward and found Fifield who sidestepped his way past four defenders. He only had the full back to beat and found a turn of pace to score under the posts. He converted his own try to put the Panthers 12-0 up. Soon after Fifield scored a penalty to put the Panthers three scores in front at 14-0.
And the Panthers were rewarded with another score just before half-time, as Nathan Wood raced away, slipped the ball to the supporting scrumhalf Jordon Howorth who crashed over for a converted try to make it 20-0 at half-time.
The second half proved to be a different game with the Swans now benefiting from the strong wind.
They defended well until, midway through the second half, the Swans scored two quick tries to make it 20-10.
And it was soon 20-16 with the pressure on but then winger Ben Brown went in for a try from acting half to secure the win.
Although Fifield, who was outstanding, missed his only conversion of the match, a further penalty score gave the Panthers a 26-16 lead and their first victory.
For more information on Accrington Panthers contact accypanthers@hotmail.com.
