REPORT: YORK KNIGHTS 27-10 WIDNES VIKINGS

The Vikings’ season came to an end this afternoon following a 27-10 defeat to York Knights in the Championship Eliminator Playoff.

Allan Coleman’s side went into the break level but a powerful York outfit pulled away in the second half.

The Vikings took the lead inside five minutes through a Tom Gilmore penalty after the Knights were caught offside.

An error from the kickoff gave the hosts a good attacking opportunity which they took full advantage of as Nikau Williams fed Tom Lineham to score out wide.

Another penalty for a high tackle on Callum Field allowed the Vikings to draw level as Gilmore knocked it over from in front of the posts.

The hosts regained the lead on the 30 minute mark as Williams again was instrumental in feeding Joe Law to score and give the Knights a six-point lead.

The Vikings rallied in the final stages, eventually getting their reward through Rhodri Lloyd as he took Jack Owens’ pass to power over on the last and level the scores up at 10-10 at the break.

After the break the hosts asserted their authority on the game, they crossed again through Lineham before Liam Harris dropped a goal to give the Knights a two-score lead.

The Vikings searched for a way back into the game but ultimately their enterprise proved to be their downfall as Lloyd couldn’t take Owens’ searching pass at halfway, the loose ball was then collected by Jesse Dee who raced away to score.

Momentum was well and truly with the hosts from that point and they hammered home their advantage as Lineham bagged his hat-trick to secure a 27-10 win and a semi final spot for the Knights.

For the Vikings, our 2024 season comes to an end but the work has already begun to make 2025 even better. 2025 Season Tickets are available HERE

COACHES COMMENTS

Head Coach Allan Coleman said: “We wanted to reach the semi finals but it was probably a step too far for us in year 1, but I’m really proud of my players and everyone at the club.

“I thought we were much better than them in the first half, we were at 93% completion and took our opportunities when we had them. But in the second half, they were just more direct and it cost us.

“We got to 65 minutes and we hadn’t had a good ball set in the second half, we just couldn’t penetrate them and ask serious questions of them but that’s credit to York.”