The pair combined for three tries in the Raiders’ 30-10 win over rivals Dubbo CYMS in their preliminary final at Apex Oval on Sunday, with Widders bagging two and Fernando one.

Widders got the scoring under way in the seventh minute when he crossed before Barry Murray scored Macquarie’s second after 17 minutes to give the Raiders a 10-0 lead.

CYMS responded through Josh Kirk, who bullocked his way over to bring the score back to 10-6 but on the stroke of half-time Macquarie halfback Matt Toole extended his team’s lead to eight with a well-crafted try.

The 14-6 scoreline was the same as it was at Wellington a fortnight earlier in the qualifying final but this time there would be no comeback from the Fishies, despite Macquarie fullback Djani Tyson being sent off in the opening minute of the second half for tripping.

Prop forward Brett Warwick scored five minutes after the break before Fernando showed great strength to beat multiple defenders and give his side a 24-6 lead.

Then came the moment of the game - a flash of brilliance from Fernando and Widders that had to be seen to be believed.

After Widders was released down the sideline he chipped over the approaching defence.

In support was Fernando who beat his opposite man to retrieve the ball and grubber infield for the flying Widders who crossed close to the posts.

It capped an impressive performance from Macquarie, which was dented just a fraction when CYMS hooker Chris Williams crossed for a try in the dying stages of the match.

Macquarie captain-coach Matt Lane was full of praise for his side after the match but admitted being nervous at half-time.

“When the scoreline was the same at the break I told the boys we couldn’t afford to let it slip again,” he said.

“We were in a better position this week because we had ‘Tooley’ at halfback instead of me and he controlled the game well.

“Tom Magann also dropped back down after playing a couple of first grade games off the bench and having those guys back really helped.

“It’s not going to be easy next week but we’re there now and we have one more game to go.”

CYMS captain-coach Tim O’Neill was left to lament a season that promised so much but wilted away in the space of two weeks.

“We haven’t had any injuries all year and we seemed to get them all in the last fortnight,” he said.

“Another of our guys was missing for another reason and it really makes things hard.

“But they tried out there today. The effort was there but when you have a prop playing five-eighth you’re up against it.”