And, what an historic game it promises to be as they both take their places in the newly formed Lancashire County Rugby Union Leagues.

Supporters will notice some big differences as the new campaign gets under way.

Back in May, following a long standing impasse over the issue of too much long distance travel, and the desire to play more local rugby, a decision was made by 20 clubs to resign from the RFU Leagues and go their own way.

As a result, both Widnes and West Park chose to take their place in the newly formed Leagues, whilst the other remaining clubs have gone elsewhere.

The pair will play in the ADM ‘Premier Division’ alongside; Liverpool St Helens, Tyldesley, Oldham, Heaton Moor, Didsbury Toc H, Littleborough, Aldwinians and Trafford MV.

The ADM ‘First Division’ will be made up of teams from; Burnley, Clitheroe, Eagle, Ormskirk, Wigan, Thornton Cleveleys, North Manchester, Bury, Ashton Under Lyne and Manchester Medics.

Teams will play each other home and away, and there will promotion and relegation within these leagues but not out of them.

As well as the Lancashire Trophy (which began last weekend with the win against Littleborough), there will also be a new cup competition; the Lancashire County RFU League Cup. There, Widnes will play in a four team group with the top two being joined by the winners of the other groups to form the four semi-finalists.

Teams in Division One will play for the Lancashire County RFU League Shield under a similar format.

Both competitions will be sponsored by MJ Worsley & Sons.

Prize Money is also available for all competitions, with the ADM Premier League Champions receiving a cheque for £750 plus a full playing kit. The winners of the MJ Worsley & Sons League Cup will receive a cheque to the value of £500 whilst the runners-up will receive a cheque for £250 and losing semi-finalists £125 each.

Good luck to all the stakeholders taking part in this new venture in what we hope will be a long and successful season.