The Vikings got back to winning ways on Saturday evening with a determined 24-4 win over Toulouse Olympique at the DCBL Stadium.
Allan Coleman’s side made a blistering start and never looked back, recording their first league double over Toulouse since returning to the Championship.
The Vikings opened the scoring inside the first three minutes. A half-break and quick play-the-ball from Dan Murray created space for Matty Fozard to feed Adam Lawton, who crashed over from close range.
Lawton doubled his tally just six minutes later, powering through two defenders off a well-timed short ball from Joe Lyons to extend the lead to 12.
The towering forward almost completed his hat-trick soon after, but the ball was dislodged as he powered over the line, letting Toulouse off the hook.
The visitors began to find their rhythm as the half progressed and eventually got on the scoreboard through Paul Marcon, who collected a looping pass to cross in the corner.
Just as Widnes looked set to take an 8-point lead into half-time, Rhys Williams pounced on a loose pass from Radean Robinson to race in for his 11th try of the season. Will Roberts added the extras to give the Vikings an 18-4 lead at the break.
Toulouse came out firing in the second half in search of a response, but the Vikings stood firm with some resolute goal-line defence.
Liam Bent produced a series of crucial tackles, including a brilliant try-saver around the ankles of James Roumanos. Moments later, Andrew Badrock came up with a huge effort to haul down Mathieu Jussaume inches short of the line.
A late hit on Nick Gregson handed Widnes a chance to extend the advantage, and Joe Edge knocked over the penalty from 35 metres out to push the lead to 16 points.
With the pressure weathered, it was fitting that Lawton completed his hat-trick late on, capping off a dominant individual performance and sealing a hard-earned 24-4 victory over the league leaders.
The Vikings turn their attention to a big clash with Oldham at Sedgley Park in Round 16 of the Betfred Championship. Tickets are available HERE.
TEAMS AND SCORERS
Widnes Vikings: Edge, Butt, Lloyd, Badrock, Williams, Lyons, W Roberts, Murray, Fozard, Bent, M Roberts, Lawton, Gregson
Interchanges: McWhirter, Bennion, Hartill, Wood
Tries: Lawton x3, Williams
Goals: Roberts x3, Edge
Toulouse Olympique: Laguerre, Marcon, Tropis, Rennie, Ulberg, Robinson, Lacans, Belmas, Marion, Butler, Jussaume, Stefani, Cator
Interchanges: Roumanos, Rodriguez, Gillam, Brochon, Chiffolleau (18th)
Tries: Marcon
Goals:
ATTENDANCE: 2,631
