To be honest it was a good match - and a good day out for all - there always have to be winners and losers - and Barrow at least gave Widnes a game.

But the majority of clubs agree that Widnes where shafted last time of the franchises

They have now proved their worth winnig the trophy 2 out of 3 years

They have one of the better stadiums

They are one of the richest clubs in Rugby league

They have reached and won a major final

They have now fullfilled the criteria for every box that requires ticking for the franchise bid - they can only enhance what is already in place

There are many clubs including some in Super league that wish they where in same position as Widnes - instead of playing catch-up

Translation

Holt never retreated once !! He gave Gannon what for and infact persued him for another go !

To settle it..........
Barrow came with the intention of bullying Widnes and battering their way to victory, however Widnes didn't take a backward step and their class shone through to the end.

I have no problem with any player wanting to be rough and hitting hard but fair and if that causes a biff then that's the game we know and love.
But...... Bracek and Mcdermott were just a pain in the ! grabbing testes, elbowing, late tackles etc, that aint hard fair hard play!
Widnes players were certainly no saints and a few shots were a tad high but thats the nature of the beast, none appeared deliberate, however elbowing of smith etc was! No one ever grabs an opponent testes "accidentally" unless you're playing in the Navy team that is!

Oh How much of a gib e is Gary Broadbent, same two years ago!

Next they will be saying that Toa Koa-Love is an angel and never once tried to inflict damage by dubious methods on an opposition player!!!!! It's a tough game - get over it.