Widnes Vikings came back to form with a bang, inflicting Warrington Wolves first defeat after ten successive victories with a 28-14 verdict.
Prior to the game Widnes paid tribute to their recently deceased number one supporter Pat Price, and her memory was clearly an inspiration for the Widnes team.
The Vikings took an early grip on the game with a try by Jack Owens from a great pass by Kevin Brown.
And they extended their lead when Rhys Hanbury touched down, with both tries being goaled by Danny Tickle.
And Widnes moved to 16-0 just before the interval when Paddy Flynn touched down in the corner, although this time Tickle couldn’t add the conversion.
And the Vikings were 24 points ahead after ten minutes of the second half, after Cameron Phelps scored from a pass by Flynn following a Wolves mistake, and Tickle added the conversion and then kicked a penalty.
Finally the Wolves began a fightback.
They scored two quick tries from Ryan Atkins and Chris Bridge, with Bridge adding a conversion. But they couldn’t get back on terms, and the Vikings emphasised their superiority when Owens collected a superb kick from Brown to touch down in the corner for a 28-10 lead.
But there was time for Ben Currie to score the final try of the game before Chris Tuson picked up a loose ball and ran through the Warrington defence to touch down for what everyone except video-referee Ben Thaler thought was a great try. Thaler disallowed it for an obscure obstruction on Anthony England.
The Vikings have consolidated their position in the top eight with this victory, while the Wolves will be disappointed with their performance.
A full report, photos and analysis of this game will feature in Monday’s edition of Rugby League Express.
