Widnes Vikings Reserves secured their first victory of 2020 by defeating Super League outfit Castleford Tigers on Saturday, running out 28-10 winners.
A solid first-half performance saw the home side lead 16-4 at the break, with Owen Buckley crossing for a brace and Billy Glover pouncing on a loose ball to score a long-range effort.
Castleford threatened a comeback with a try following the restart, however a double from Jacob Dugdale secured victory for the Vikings at the DCBL Stadium.
The game got off to an even start before Buckley opened the scoring on 13 minutes, as the Vikings ran the ball on the last tackle and put the ball through hands, with the winger touching down out wide.
Buckley was in again six minutes later, as an interception from Ollie Brookes on his own line advanced Widnes to their opponents’ 20. On the next play, Buckley was able to cross in space in the corner and complete a quick-fire double.
With 28 minutes on the clock the hosts opened up a 16-0 lead, as a loose pass from the Tigers went to ground and centre Glover reacted quickest to race 80 metres and score under the sticks.
Castleford broke their deadlock with the final play of the first half, as they benefitted from a Widnes knock on to send Alfie Goddard over in the corner.
Half-time: Widnes Vikings Reserves 16-4 Castleford Tigers Reserves
The visitors took that momentum into the second 40, cutting the deficit to six points when Robbie Storey found enough space to score out wide on 46 minutes.
Widnes replied 10 minutes later, as Castleford failed to find touch with a penalty kick before a great exchange from Connor Dwyer and Dugdale saw the latter race over for his first try.
Eight minutes later Dugdale was in again, as Connor Williams made a good break before the halfback stepped his way over the try line from close range.
Widnes saw out the remainder of the game, as Brad Calland’s conversion proved to be the final scoring play of the afternoon.
Full-time: Widnes Vikings Reserves 28-10 Castleford Tigers Reserves
Widnes Vikings: Jayden Hatton, Owen Buckley, Connor Williams, Billy Glover, Ollie Brookes, Daniel Hill, Jacob Dugdale, Jordan Case, Callum Wood, Calum O’Neill, Connor Dwyer, Josh Wilde, Brad Calland.
Interchanges: Lewis Hulme, James Rutledge, Jordan Brown, Will Donnelly.
Tries: Buckley (13, 19) Glover (28), Dugdale (56, 64) Goals: Calland 4/5
Castleford Tigers: Ritchie Hawkyard, Lewis Carr, Robbie Storey, Jordan Bull, Alfie Goddard, Tom Flannery, Tom Schofield, Liam Buffet, Billy Gaylor, Bradley Martin, Daniel Attley, Steven Hayes, William Cooke.
Interchanges: Robb Cain, Jacob Harte, Lewis Ransome, Adam Horner.
Tries: Goddard (39), Storey (46) Goals: Schofield 1/2
