Ahead of Sunday’s visit of Batley Bulldogs, let’s take a closer look at our opponents…
This weekend sees the Vikings host Batley in a big chance to turn around our form, after four Betfred Championship defeats have followed four league victories to start the season.
The Bulldogs arrive at the DCBL Stadium on the back of consecutive victories, most recently defeating Dewsbury Rams by 36 points to 20 before a 30-18 win at Barrow Raiders.
Sunday’s visitors are currently fifth in the league table after four victories, two defeats and a draw in seven games.
Victory for the Vikings would take them above Batley in the table, with the Bulldogs currently on nine points and Widnes on eight despite the visitors having a game in hand.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Widnes 16, Batley 34 (ChR15, 1/8/21)
Batley 48, Widnes 16 (ChR3, 24/4/21)
Widnes 32, Batley 12 (ChR2, 9/2/20)
Widnes 28, Batley 22 (ChR18, 21/6/19)
Batley 20, Widnes 18 (ChR9, 7/4/19)
Widnes 26, Batley 22 (CCR6, 17/5/15)
Widnes 24, Batley 22 (ChR18, 31/7/11)
Batley 32, Widnes 12 (ChR5, 17/4/11)
Batley 25, Widnes 24 (NRC-F, 18/7/10)
Widnes 16, Batley 35 (ChR12, 23/5/10)
FORM GUIDE
RD1 Batley Bulldogs 30-18 Halifax Panthers
RD2 Newcastle Thunder 14-32 Batley Bulldogs
RD3 Batley Bulldogs 4-10 York City Knights
RD4 Bradford Bulls 21-20 Batley Bulldogs
RD5 Batley Bulldogs 20-20 Featherstone Rovers
RD6 Barrow Raiders 18-30 Batley Bulldogs
RD7 Batley Bulldogs 36-20 Dewsbury Rams
ONES TO WATCH
Tom Gilmore – Widnes-born halfback Tom Gilmore has been a consistent figure in the Bulldogs team since his arrival ahead of the 2021 season, missing only one game in his debut season with the Yorkshire outfit. His performances in 2021 saw him nominated for the Championship Player of the Year alongside Featherstone Rovers utility Craig Hall and Toulouse Olympique half back Johnathon Ford.
2022 has seen ‘Gilly’ lead his team around the field and put them in good positions on the park with his accurate kicking game. His ability to square people up and commit defenders to put his teammates into one-on-one situations is valuable to the Bulldogs side and he will have to be put under pressure by the Vikings defenders come game day.
Luke Hooley – Formerly of Super League outfit Wakefield Trinity, fullback Hooley has gained a lot of Championship and League One experience after playing for Oldham, Dewsbury Rams and his current club. He is an attacking threat out of the back of Batley shifts, with an ability to beat defenders one on one. Hooley is also a threat in good ball situations, leading the kick chase and having a knack of latching onto the end of attacking kicks, scoring points in the process.
Alistair Leak – Livewire hooker Leak is originally from Cumbria where he played for Egremont Rangers before joining the Bulldogs in 2013 after playing for the England Universities side. He is now an established Championship player and has racked up more than 100 appearances for the West Yorkshire outfit. He will run off any quick play-the-ball playing behind a big Batley pack and has an excellent skill set when in open field. Leak will be a massive running threat in the middle of the park when we go head to head.
TICKET INFO
Tickets are available both online and from our Club Shop at Widnes Market, now open of a Wednesday from 11am-3pm as well as 10am-4pm of a Thursday and Friday, and 10am-3pm of a Saturday.
Supporters will also be able to get tickets on match day from the Stadium Shop, but are encouraged to purchase in advance to avoid large queues on the day.
You can get your tickets quick and easy online now by clicking the button below.
