REPORT: WIDNES VIKINGS 14-18 BATLEY BULLDOGS

The Vikings bowed out of the Challenge Cup at the fifth round stage after an 18-14 defeat to Batley Bulldogs at the DCBL Stadium.

We could not build on a two-score half-time lead as Batley scored three tries in the final 15 minutes of the game to advance to the next round.

A strong start to the game saw the Vikings take the lead after a spell of heavy pressure as Joe Lyons danced back inside beating two Batley defenders to put us six points ahead.

We continued to build pressure on the Batley line which resulted in another penalty for the Vikings. Tom Gilmore added the two points to give us an 8-0 lead at the break.

The Vikings started the second half in similar fashion but failed to capitalise on the good territory.

Batley finally made their breakthrough just past the hour mark as Buchanan collected a ricocheted kick to score.

Momentum then swung in the visitors’ favour as they scored two quick-fire tries through Gibbons and Cooper to take an 18-8 lead.

Gregson then crossed to give the Vikings hope with 2 minutes to go but Batley held on for the win.

The Vikings will look to bounce back next Sunday in our Championship opener against Barrow Raiders at the DCBL Stadium.

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COACHES COMMENTS

Head Coach Allan Coleman said: “It was a crazy one, to be honest.

“I thought in the first half we were really good, we had high completion and kicked smart to turn them around. I just thought we were really controlled.

“In the second half for the first 15 minutes, we were good again but unfortunately our skill element and completion just fell out of the window. It just wasn’t good enough and a good team like Batley will come back at you and they did.

“I thought defensively we were really good at times but with ball in hand for 20 minutes we were poor.”