Widnes Vikings 26-18 Keighley Cougars

Widnes Vikings made it two wins from two to start the new season after a hard-fought 26-18 victory at home to Keighley Cougars.

Ryan Millar scored a hat-trick on his competitive home debut, with Danny Craven and Jack Owens also crossing for the Vikings.

The visitors fought back well in the second half to set up a nervy finish, but it was the Vikings who showed their cutting edge to wrap up victory inside the final 10 minutes.

Team news

Having missed Round 1, Danny Craven returned to the starting line-up in place of the injured Tom Gilmore, joining Joe Lyons in the halves.

With Adam Lawton and Jordan Johnstone also absent, Ant Walker and Matty Fozard came into the 13, with Aaron Brown and Sam Wilde named on the bench.

Will Evans was also included as 18th man on his return from injury. Under new concussion protocols, the 18th man is able to come off the bench if three of his team-mates fail their HIA’s during the match.

Story of the game

After a cagey opening to the contest, it took until the 15-minute mark for the Vikings to post their first points of the afternoon.

It was the returning Danny Craven who stepped and dummied his way through a gap in the defensive line to touch down under the posts.

The try was converted to make it 6-0, but the visitors’ response was swift and they drew level not long after.

Dane Chisholm made the initial break from near halfway, and half-back partner Luke Gale was in support to race over from 20m out.

The Vikings would post the final try of the first half, with Ryan Millar scoring his second try in as many matches. Quick hands found him on the right flank, and the winger produced a superb acrobatic finish to touch down in the corner.

That made it 10-6, and shortly before half-time, Jack Owens extended the hosts’ lead with the boot after Keighley were penalised for offside.

Owens added a try to his name shortly after half-time, powering through a gaping hole before out-muscling Keighley’s last man to touch down 5m in from the touchline.

However, quickfire scores from Gale and Robbie Storey levelled the game at 18-18, and it set up a grandstand finish which the Vikings would go on to edge.

Millar proved to be decisive yet again, putting his side four points ahead with a strong finish out wide following a cut-out pass from Joe Lyons, who was celebrating his 100th career appearance.

And it was Millar who would complete his hat-trick and seal victory with virtually the last act of the contest, with yet another trademark leap for the corner after the ball was flung in his direction.

Next game

Sunday 19 February – Bradford Bulls (A) – 3pm

Teams and scorers

Widnes Vikings: Jack Owens, Ryan Millar, Matt Fleming, Joe Edge, Kieran Dixon, Danny Craven, Joe Lyons, Ant Walker, Matty Fozard, Kyle Amor, Shane Grady, Olly Davies, Liam Bent.

Interchanges: Aaron Brown, Sam Wilde, Callum Field, Lewis Hatton (18th man: Will Evans).

Tries: Craven, Millar 3, Owens

Goals: Owens 3

Keighley Cougars: Lewis Young, Mo Agoro, Robbie Storey, Ben Crooks, Charlie Graham, Dane Chisholm, Luke Gale, Mark Ioane, Billy Gaylor, Aaron Levy, Ellis Robson, Sadiq Adebiyi, Brad Walker.

Interchanges: Kyle Kesik, Brendan Santi, Toby Everett, Keenan Tomlinson (18th man: Daniel Parker).

Tries: Gale 2, Storey

Goals: Chisholm 3