Widnes Vikings are back in Betfred Championship action at the DCBL Stadium this Sunday (3pm kick-off), taking on familiar opposition in Dewsbury Rams.
Having met twice already this season in league and cup – Widnes coming out on top in both encounters – they will meet for the trilogy bout as the Vikings search for a seventh straight win.
And having been without a game since the 1895 Cup quarter-final victory over Newcastle on May 17, Allan Coleman will hope his side are refreshed and ready to go, ahead of a pivotal run of fixtures.
🎟️ Ticket information
Tickets for Sunday’s game are available here.
Supporters can also pick up their tickets on Sunday at the Vikings club shop, which will be open from midday until kick-off.
🤍 Tribute to John Kear
A minute’s applause will be held prior to Sunday’s game against Dewsbury, in memory of John Kear.
Supporters are asked to be in their seats promptly ahead of kick-off as we come together to celebrate the life and legacy of our former head coach, who has sadly passed away at the age of 71.
📰 Squad news
There are three changes from the cup win against Newcastle at Robin Park Arena last month.
Mike Butt returns to the line-up, alongside forwards Adam Lawton and Jay Chapelhow.
The trio replace Joe Lyons, Nick Gregson and Leon Hayes.
MORE INFO
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🥊 The opposition
Dewsbury Rams come into Sunday’s game inside the Betfred Championship’s top 10, thanks to a run of three wins in four since their 1895 Cup defeat to the Vikings.
After a convincing 54-18 win at Rochdale Hornets at the end of April, home wins against Cumbrian duo Whitehaven and Workington Town have come either side of a battling 30-16 defeat at Halifax Panthers.
Still, the Rams have shown real signs of improvement and would love to exact some revenge after their recent losses to a Widnes side that sit four places above them in the table heading into Round 15.
Dewsbury Rams 21-man squad: Craig McShane, Thomas Delaney, George Senior, Liam Copland, Daniel Coates, Jacob Hookem, Luke Nelmes, Jack McShane, Dec Tomlinson, Jacob Bateman, Louis Collinson, Harvey Roberts, Louie Walker, Valu Tane Bentley, Monty Lumb, George Rayner, Brad Graham, Paul Sykes, Jacob Algar, Bailey O’Connor, Danny Addy.
⏪ Record against Dewsbury
The Vikings boast a strong record against Dewsbury, helped by their two wins against the Rams earlier in the year.
Six of the last seven meetings in all competitions have gone the way of the Vikings – the exception being a Betfred Challenge Cup defeat at FLAIR Stadium back in April 2023.
At home, the Vikings have won their last two meetings with Dewsbury. During the 2022 campaign, they fought to a 20-16 victory, while their most recent league meeting at the DCBL Stadium saw the Vikings run out convincing 34-12 winners.
Last five meetings:
- Dewsbury 10-50 Widnes (1895 Cup R1, 19/4/26)
- Dewsbury 10-20 Widnes (Championship R10, 12/4/26)
- Widnes 34-12 Dewsbury (Championship R15, 14/7/24)
- Dewsbury 6-24 Widnes (Championship R3, 7/4/24)
- Dewsbury 32-12 Widnes (Challenge Cup R4, 2/4/23)
🗣️ The boss’ pre-match thoughts
Hear from Vikings head coach Allan Coleman ahead of Sunday’s return to action.
🏉 Officials
The referee for this fixture is Matty Lynn.
📲 Follow the game with the Vikings
Are you not going to be with us? You can keep updated with the Vikings’ official club coverage!
Vikings fans will be able to get full updates through our match coverage on our official X account – your hub to find out all the key news, including matchday line-ups, live game updates and post-game coverage.
