Without wanting to pour scorn on Ashton's victory yesterday, we were 8 players out yesterday(myself included) who would almost certainly have featured. This was the one week we knew would be tough on our numbers and one we couldn't really afford to lose, however the previous 12 game unbeaten run we were on shows how far we have come since the first few weeks of the season, and I am also confident that this was just a blip. Now looking for a strong finish to the season and a positive playoff series!

Orrell pasted Wigan yesterday, that surprised me as IMO Wigan are a better outfit.

And so here they are....

NWML Div 4 playoff semi finals;

Orrell St James Vs Bury Broncos
Wigan Bulldogs Vs Widnes Tigers

I think Orrell will beat Bury on their own patch and our game vs the bulldogs will be too close to call, they are the only side we haven't beaten this season!

Wigan Bulldogs 18 Widnes Tigers 20

Tigers controlled this early and should have really put it to bed early in the second half when we went 16-4 up. Credit to the Bulldogs they fought back and got their heads up which made them more difficult to contain which lead to a nervy last 10 minutes.

Should be a good day out next week at Hindley for the final against Orrell. Orrell will go in favourites having dominated the regular season. I think if we can keep the penalty count down we stand a good chance of sneaking it.

Orrell 23-14 Bury. Cracking game over at Orrell on Saturday, a very fiery encounter - several Orrell lads said afterwards it was the toughest game they've had this year.

We probably dominated the first 20 minutes but couldn't build on a 2-0 lead, and then our trademark silly spell kicked in with stupid penalties and infuriating decisions with the ball costing us badly - then a sin-binning 10 minutes before half time saw us concede 2 quick tries which were ultimately the difference. Penalties made things much harder - 12-3 at half time, to 14-7 after 80 mins.

The 2nd half was fairly even with both teams fierce in defence - big collisions and a few too many high shots across the (very narrow!) pitch, but that's what play-off rugby is all about. A mistake from a deep kick late on led to Orrell's final try which sealed it.

Lots of sore bodies, a few split foreheads and black eyes and one of Orrell's props (Hogan I think) appeared to break a couple of ribs at the end. Slightly disappointed as we gained good territory several times only to take the wrong option, but the lads enjoyed it and mostly feel they gave a good account of themselves - and it's all good experience.

Good luck to Orrell and Widnes next week. Hard to predict the winner - my gut feeling is Orrell will need to show a little more in attack to win it but it should be very tight.

Thanks for your wishes Cronus, we will give it our all.

Widnes Tigers 20 Wigan Bulldogs 18

Quite a 'tame' game compared to some of our encounters and apart from the first 5 minutes we were never behind, but credit Wigan they never gave up even at 16-4 down they got 2 tries back before we exchanged tries late on. Had the penalty goal attempt been successful il be honest I think Wigan would have beaten us in ET. We were really clinging on! Picked up a few knocks as well!

Should be a cracker and if our discipline improves we will give ourselves a hell if a chance!

Orrell 28 Tigers 6

Dreadful from us, congrats Orrell on a deserved win!