Widnes Vikings secured a comeback victory at home to London Broncos in Round 16 of the Betfred Championship at the DCBL Stadium.
The Vikings made two changes to the side that faced York last week, Shane Grady returning from injury with Kieran Dixon coming in for his debut in place of injured pair Callum Field and Brad Holroyd.
London were first off the mark, scoring through winger Paul Ulberg on the right-hand side after a sweeping move out wide.
Widnes pulled one back when Sam Wilde powered over from close range, Jack Owens converting to pull the scores level.
However, the visitors were in front again on their next set after a dropped catch from the kick-off allowed London in with Dean Parata driving over this time.
The Broncos extended their lead with a sweeping move out left just a couple of minutes later, Iliess Macani putting down in the corner.
Dean Parata got his second of the game shortly after the half-hour mark to push London further ahead.
Widnes got another shortly before the hooter after a break from Kenny Baker gained ground, and the Vikings worked it out left for Kieran Dixon to put down on his debut.
Danny Craven pulled another back for Widnes midway through the second half, after his spiralling kick forced a knock-on giving the Vikings a set on the London line which we took advantage of nicely.
It was a Craven kick again for the try which helped pull Widnes level, bouncing nicely in the path of Joe Edge who put down before Jack Owens’ conversion made the scores 22-22.
After a swing in the momentum of the game, the Vikings were ahead with ten minutes to go, Ryan Ince flying over in the corner to hand Widnes a four-point lead.
Despite some late London pressure, Widnes stood firm to secure a much-needed victory.
Widnes Vikings: Jack Owens, Ryan Ince, Matt Fleming, Joe Edge, Kieran Dixon, Danny Craven, Matty Smith, Adam Lawton, Matty Fozard, Owen Farnworth, Sam Wilde, Olly Davies, Aaron Brown.
Interchanges: Joe Lyons, Shane Grady, Kenny Baker, Eribe Doro.
Tries: Sam Wilde, Kieran Dixon, Danny Craven, Joe Edge, Ryan Ince.
Goals: Jack Owens (3/5).
London Broncos: Alex Walker, Paul Ulberg, Siti Moceidreke, Jude Ferreira, Iliess Macani, Brock Peligra, Oli Leyland, Jordan Williams, Sam Davis, Samuel Hall, Will Lovell, Rhys Curran, Dean Parata.
Interchanges: Lewis Bienek, Brad Foster, Rinaldo Palumbo, Wellington Albert.
Tries: Paul Ulberg, Dean Parata (2), Iliess Macani.
Goals: Oli Leyland (3/4).
Attendance: 2926.
