REPORT: WIDNES VIKINGS 12-37 BARROW RAIDERS

The Vikings suffered another heavy defeat this afternoon, falling 37-12 to Barrow Raiders on a challenging afternoon at the DCBL Stadium.

Allan Coleman’s side once again struggled to recover from a poor first-half showing, slipping to back-to-back defeats for the second time this season.

Barrow took control early, opening the scoring through Luke Broadbent after a sequence of offloads created space for the centre to finish out wide.

Joe Bullock extended the visitors’ lead, powering through the middle of the Widnes defence to touch down under the posts.

The Vikings responded through Matt Fleming, who broke through from fullback and rounded Luke Cresswell to finish a classy solo try, reducing the deficit to six.

However, an error on the ensuing set from Martyn Reilly handed Barrow another opportunity, and they capitalised through Curtis Teare, who took a drop-off to score. That gave the Raiders an 18-6 lead heading into the break.

Widnes absorbed some early second-half pressure but were undone when Declan Patton’s pass was intercepted by Teare, who released Tee Ritson to race away and score, further stretching the visitors’ advantage.

Mike Butt clawed one back for the Vikings after chasing down a clever grubber from Jack Owens, but hopes of a comeback were short-lived as Brad Walker slotted over a drop goal to make it a three-score game.

Barrow finished strongly, adding two late tries through Ellis Robson and Cresswell to seal a comprehensive 37-12 win.

We look for a response on Good Friday as we take on in-form Oldham at the DCBL Stadium. Tickets are available HERE.