WORKINGTON TOWN 10 WIDNES VIKINGS 22
DAVE PARKINSON, Fibrus Community Stadium, Sunday
WORKINGTON gave a much-improved performance, but two tries either side of the hour tipped this game in favour of Widnes.
It was a tight opening with the teams going set for set before the Vikings scored first.
The try came after Dom Wear dived out of the defensive line to put pressure on Jordan Abdull, who somehow produced a looping pass for Ryan Ince. The Town defence shuffled over but when Ince offloaded, Matty Fleming grubber kicked into the in-goal and won the race to touch down. Abdull converted.
Town roared back into the contest despite losing centre Rio Corkill to a head assessment, then winger Oscar Doran to injury.
The big reshuffle disrupted Workington, but they fought through admirably and applied a whole lot of pressure between the 15th and 22nd minutes.
It was then Widnes’ turn to bring the ball out confidently and a high kick was well pouched by Zarrin Galea, who beat two defenders and scampered through a staggered line before finding top gear to blaze 80 metres and score.
With Jake Carter missing due to an ankle injury, Wear stepped up to level with the conversion.
However Widnes went back in front on 28 minutes, with Abdull at the forefront. He again worked the ball to Ince and a basketball-style offload infield brought a second score for Fleming, Abdull again converting.
Workington had to ride more adversity with secondrows moving to centre while Alex Donaghy went back to a wing.
Widnes went closest to adding to their lead before half-time but a brilliant tackle from the busy Evan Lawther put Mike Butt in touch.
The second half started well for Workington when Lawther inspired a Donaghy break in the first set and only a fine tackle from outstanding fullback Nathan Connell prevented him from sprinting clear.
Wear disappeared under a challenge after being hit off the ball in the 43rd minute, but he was able to rise and inspired the hosts to better things when a neat kick was collected by Tuarae Rawhiti for four points.
While Wear couldn’t convert, with only two points in it, Widnes looked to be wobbling, but things settled down for them with more assured work from Connell while Cumbrian hooker Jordan Johnstone impressed and there were some thunderous runs by Morgan McWhirter.
Widnes built pressure, winning back-to-back possessions before Max Roberts crashed through from close range and Abdull converted to open up an eight-point lead.
Crucially the next score also went the way of Widnes. Strong charges from Jack Houghton and Dan Murray set the position and Abdull linked play left before Fleming’s quick hands brought a try for Ince on 63 minutes.
Ince came close to another score after a good kick from Abdull, but that would have been harsh on the hosts.
GAMESTAR: Fullback Nathan Connell was in good form throughout for Widnes, just edging out a big performance from teammate Jordan Johnstone.
GAMEBREAKER: Ryan Ince’s try after 63 minutes gave Widnes the cushion they needed.
MATCHFACTS
TOWN
1 Zarrin Galea
19 Spencer Fulton
3 Rio Corkill
21 Evan Lawther
2 Oscar Doran
5 Alex Donaghy
7 Dom Wear
8 Ross Ainley
14 Callum Phillips
22 Delaine Gittens-Bedward
11 Mason Lewthwaite
26 Tuarae Rawhiti
10 Stevie Scholey
Subs (all used)
18 Jude Lupton
25 Bear Williams
15 Callum Farrer
17 Lucas Castle
Tries: Galea (24), Rawhiti (50)
Goals: Wear 1/2
VIKINGS
23 Nathan Connell
5 Ryan Ince
3 Jack Owens
1 Matty Fleming
2 Mike Butt
7 Tom Gilmore
22 Jordan Abdull
8 Dan Murray
9 Jordan Johnstone
21 James Chapelhow
19 Adam Lawton
12 Max Roberts
15 Lewis Hall
Subs (all used)
14 Matty Fozard
18 Morgan McWhirter
28 Jack Houghton
20 Jack Bibby
Tries: Fleming (10, 28), Roberts (58), Ince (63)
Goals: Abdull 3/4
SCORING SEQUENCE: 0-6, 6-6, 6-12; 10-12, 10-18, 10-22
Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match
Town: Dom Wear; Vikings: Nathan Connell
Penalty count: 6-4
Half-time: 6-12
Referee: Carl Hughes
Attendance: 823