REPORT: BATLEY BULLDOGS 8-12 WIDNES VIKINGS

The Vikings made it back-to-back wins this afternoon with a crucial 12-8 win over Batley Bulldogs at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium.

Allan Coleman’s side moved up to fourth in the table following an attritional affair that saw only three tries scored.

The Vikings searched for an upper hand in the arm wrestle during the first quarter of the game, going close through Ryan Ince who was held just short in the corner.

The breakthrough came after 25 minutes as Rhodri Lloyd palmed a kick down for Joe Lyons to gather and establish a 6-0 lead.

A late penalty against the Vikings saw the hosts add a penalty goal to cut the deficit to four points at half-time.

Despite playing up the hill in the second half the Vikings looked the more threatening in the opening stages of the second half as they looked to extend the advantage.

Matt Fleming looked to be over when he went on his own down the short side but Batley scrambled to hold him up over the line.

The breakthrough eventually came on the hour mark as Jack Owens set Ryan Ince away with a cut-out ball on the left edge before he kicked back inside for the captain to gather and extend the lead to 10 points.

Batley wouldn’t go away however, hitting back just five minutes later as Nyle Flynn powered over from close range to set up a grandstand finish.

The hosts continued to pile on the pressure in the closing stages but the Vikings defended heroically to secure a 12-8 win.

Attention turns to a huge game at the DCBL Stadium this Sunday against the York Knights. Tickets are available HERE

COACHES COMMENTS

Head Coach Allan Coleman said: “I’m immensely proud of my players, my staff, the fans and the club in general.

“I just thought it meant something to everyone today, you could see that desire.

“The fans drove us home at the end, they were so encouraging. I think in that second half you could just see how much it meant to the players.

“Culture is soft in some teams but not these boys. That’s determination and we’ve built a culture at this club now where we have a winning mentality.”