DONCASTER 28 WIDNES VIKINGS 12
SPENCER ARNOLD, Eco-Power Stadium, Sunday

DONCASTER’S strong attacking prowess proved too much for Widnes, with a fourth successive win sealed by Richard Horne’s side.

The hosts dominated the opening stages, with strong defensive efforts repeatedly forcing the Vikings deep into their own half, until a penalty for a rough hit allowed the visitors to make their way back up the pitch.

A back-and-forth rally of sets then began, with both sides trading kicks up and down the pitch, until Doncaster asserted their claims with a metre-gaining offensive effort and some quick hands down the line, which put Reece Lyne through the exposed cover for Connor Robinson to convert.

Widnes tried to respond moments later and came within reaching distance of the try-line, but strong tackling kept them at bay, with Robinson providing a crushing hit on Joe Lyons to prevent a certain score.

Edene Gebbie made a break through the Widnes line, however despite a quick offload, Doncaster were denied.

A late challenge by Mike Butt meant the Widnes winger was yellow carded on 16 minutes, and a Robinson penalty-goal made it 8-0.

Another rally of sets began, with both sides trading kicks throughout the pitch, marching themselves near each other’s try-line, but to no avail.

Jumah Sambou put himself to the fore with a neat collection on his own line then a massive hit to prevent another Doncaster try.

But on 25 minutes, Doncaster sent a long ball out wide, and James Glover collected and went over, with Robinson landing the extras.

A well-placed kick through by Widnes almost found its way to Sambou, but it was knocked out of his reach and the ball went dead.

Tyla Hepi attempted to extend the lead in the closing minutes of the first half with a strong run through the Widnes defence, but a fumble of the ball turned over possession.

Knock-ons by both sides followed, halting Widnes’ attacking momentum, then to close out the first 40 minutes, a penalty allowed Robinson to make it 16-0.

Widnes struck at the start of the second half, with Sambou catching the ball on the rebound and galloping his way through some open space to put his side back in the game. Tom Gilmore goaled. 

Gilmore reduced the arrears further after 48 minutes, notching after a strong run and tagging on the two.

Gebbie threatened before on 59 minutes, rapid hands and a good finish by Titus Gwaze gave Doncaster a boost, with Robinson improving the try for 22-12.

And Gebbie finally got the score his hard work merited with Robinson’s goal providing a 16-point cushion.

GAMESTAR: Edene Gebbie provided plenty going forward for Doncaster, with many metres gained by his strong and speedy runs.

GAMEBREAKER: Titus Gwaze’s try just before the hour put an end to Widnes’ forward momentum and gave Doncaster a lift at a key moment.

MATCHFACTS

DONCASTER
1 Tom Holmes
26 Mitieli Vulikijapani
4 Reece Lyne
23 James Glover
18 Edene Gebbie
7 Connor Robinson
6 Cory Aston
8 Brad Knowles
9 Greg Burns
10 Suaia Matagi
12 Alex Sutcliffe
22 Luis Johnson
17 Muizz Mustapha
Subs (all used)
14 Jacob Jones
19 Connor Jones
21 Tyla Hepi
27 Titus Gwaze

Tries: Lyne (11), Glover (25), Gwaze (59), Gebbie (68)
Goals: Robinson 6/6

VIKINGS
23 Nathan Connell
2 Mike Butt
29 Jumah Sambou
1 Matty Fleming
5 Ryan Ince
6 Joe Lyons
7 Tom Gilmore
8 Dan Murray
9 Jordan Johnstone
21 Jay Chapelhow
16 Danny Langtree
11 Sam Wilde
13 Nick Gregson
Subs (all used)
14 Matty Fozard
15 Lewis Hall
18 Morgan McWhirter
19 Adam Lawton

Tries: Sambou (41), Gilmore (48)
Goals: Gilmore 2/2
Sin bin: Butt (16) – late tackle

SCORING SEQUENCE: 6-0, 8-0, 14-0, 16-0; 16-6, 16-12, 22-12, 28-12

Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match
Doncaster: Edene Gebbie; Vikings: Jumah Sambou

Penalty count: 5-3
Half-time: 16-0
Referee: James Vella
Attendance: 1,672