REPORT: WIDNES VIKINGS 12-18 TOULOUSE OLYMPIQUE

The Vikings fell to an 18-12 defeat to Toulouse Olympique in a tight contest at the DCBL Stadium.

Allan Coleman’s side couldn’t hold on to the first-half lead as the French outfit came from behind to snatch the points late on.

The Vikings struck first moving it left for Matt Fleming to cut inside and score after a great break from Matty Fozard set up the opportunity.

Tom Gilmore added a penalty goal shortly after to give the Vikings a two-score lead.

It was one-way traffic in the opening 30 minutes and Ryan Ince extended the lead further as he dove in at the corner following a delightful tip-on pass from Jack Owens. Gilmore couldn’t convert from the sideline, but the Vikings led 12-0 at the interval.

The visitors rallied in the second half, hitting back through Dimitri Biscarro as he took a cut-out pass to stroll in under the posts.

Momentum then swung back in the favour of the French outfit, eventually drawing level through Eloi Pelissier as he burrowed his way over the line.

The Vikings twice had chances on the Toulouse line but errors relieved the pressure on the visitors.

With just over ten minutes to go Reagan Sumner spilled Rivett’s high kick. Toulouse kicked the loose ball into the in-goal area and Mike Butt pulled back a Toulouse man to prevent the try, for which he was shown a yellow card.

Playing a man down the Vikings couldn’t hold out as Guy Armitage fought his way over to score out wide.

Trailing by six the Vikings chanced their arm in the dying stages and looked to have found the crucial try in the final seconds but Ryan Ince’s left boot just strayed into touch as he dove for the corner.

We turn our attention to a huge clash with Barrow Raiders at the Northern Competitions Stadium next Sunday, with a win over the Cumbria side likely to secure a playoff spot. Tickets are available HERE

COACHES COMMENTS

Head Coach Allan Coleman said: “It was a tough game. A great game to watch.

“In the first half, I was really pleased with how we played. In terms of our effort and energy levels, you would have thought we were the full-time team.

“Second half I thought we had the opportunities again but we lost the ball in the early stages which allowed Toulouse back into it.

“All around I’m disappointed we lost but I think every fan in that ground tonight can walk away knowing those players gave absolutely everything for the club.”