REPORT: ROCHDALE HORNETS 16-34 WIDNES VIKINGS

The Vikings booked their place in the Third Round of the Betfred Challenge Cup with a 34-16 win over Rochdale Hornets at the Crown Oil Arena.

A dominant first half ultimately saw the Vikings secure victory, setting up a Third-Round clash with North Wales Crusaders.

Danny Langtree broke the deadlock as he steamed onto Tom Gilmore’s short pass to power over from close range.

After a period of back and forth, the Vikings asserted their dominance as back-to-back tries from Joe Edge and a debut score from Rhys Williams established a 16-0 half-time lead.

Rochdale hit back after the break, scoring two quickfire tries through Greg McNally and Ben Will to cut the deficit to four points.

The Vikings weathered the pressure that followed before responding with a try of their own. Rhys Williams took Jack Owens’ pass to stroll in for the try.

Another debut try would follow, this time for Lewis Hall, as he took Dec Patton’s pass to race through and score near the posts.

A try from Rhodri Lloyd would seal the victory for the Vikings as he dotted down after some nice link-up play from Patton and Mike Butt.

The hosts grabbed a consolation score late on as Forber dove in at the corner to cut the deficit, but it wasn’t enough as the Vikings ran out 34-16 winners.

We will travel to face North Wales Crusaders in the Third Round of the Challenge Cup in a fortnight. Fixture details will be announced at 6pm tomorrow.

CREDIT: RLPIX.COM

 

TEAMS AND SCORERS

Rochdale Hornets: McNally, Will, Flanagan, Harrop, Forber, Ridyard, Else, Johnson, Burton, Nelmes, Baker, Straugheir, Whittel

Interchanges: Andrade, Killan, Dayes, Punchard, O’Donnell (18th)

Tries: McNally, Will, Forber

Goals: Ridyard x2

 

Widnes Vikings: Owens, Butt, Fleming, Edge, Williams, Patton, Gilmore, Murray, Fozard, Reilly, Lloyd, Langtree, Lannon

Interchanges: Kirk, Hall, Bennion, Doolan, Roberts (18th)

Tries: Williams x2, Langtree, Edge, Hall, Lloyd

Goals: Gilmore x5