WIDNES VIKINGS will play their final match of the regular Championship season at Sheffield Eagles on Thursday, August 27 (7.30pm) – just four days before their 1895 Cup final showdown with London Broncos.

The Vikings had threatened to pull out of the showpiece at Warrington on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31 (3.00pm), in a row with the RFL over when the Sheffield game, originally set for Sunday 30, should be played.

The table-topping Broncos will stage their last regular-season game against Swinton Lions at Richmond Athletic Ground on Saturday, September 5.

But that wasn’t an option for Widnes, coached by Allan Coleman (pictured), because it is the weekend of the first stage of the play-offs, in which they will be involved (the Broncos will come in at stage two).

Widnes, who host Workington Town on Sunday, August 23, cited player welfare concerns, but have accepted the new date for the Sheffield meeting.

“This has been a very complex situation to resolve, involving more than ten meetings and ongoing monitoring of fixtures to reach this outcome,” said Widnes chairman Stuart Murphy.

“We have now managed to agree dispensations on the relevant items relating to the final between all of the clubs involved.

“We would like to place on record our thanks to Mark Hannigan of Sheffield Eagles and Gary Hetherington of London Broncos, along with Robert Hicks of the RFL and Rhodri Jones of RL Commercial, for the time and effort they have given throughout this process.

“Halton Borough Council (who own and operate the DCBL Stadium), have also been extremely accommodating, allowing us to make changes to training days and times where necessary, and we are grateful for their support and flexibility throughout the process.

“We understand the frustration this has caused to our supporters, but we simply felt the need to stand our ground on these matters. Thank you for your patience.”