Match Report: Widnes Vikings

London Broncos 44-12 Widnes Vikings

London Broncos produced a strong all-round performance to secure victory, building a narrow half-time advantage before pulling clear with a dominant second half that yielded 28 unanswered points.

The Broncos started with intent and were close to opening the scoring inside the first ten minutes, Connor O’Beirne being held up just short of the line on the last tackle. The breakthrough followed shortly after when Dean Hawkins showed quick thinking and footwork to create a 20-metre try, which Jack Croft converted.

London extended their lead in the 19th minute through Alex Max, who powered through multiple defenders from distance to touch down. Croft again added the extras. Despite the early scores, the contest remained tight, with both defences limiting opportunities and territory hard to come by.

Widnes responded through a sustained period of pressure, reducing the deficit with a close-range try from Jordan Johnstone, converted by Jordan Abdull. The visitors later added a second try through Sam Wilde, and Abdull’s subsequent penalty goal brought the scores level at 12–12 midway through the half.

The Broncos regained control just before the break. Hawkins broke through the line and managed to offload to Robert Mathias, who crossed to restore London’s lead, giving the hosts a four-point advantage at half-time.

London increased their tempo after the restart, quickening play-the-balls and stretching the Widnes defence. Although an early chance went begging when Neil Tchamambe was unable to gather a diagonal kick, the pressure soon told. Reagan Campbell-Gillard powered over from close range for his first try for the club, before Lewis Bienek followed with another after a penalty close to the Widnes line, Croft converting both.

The Broncos then shifted the ball effectively across the field on the last tackle, creating space for Elliot Wallis to finish in the corner. Further tries followed as London continued to control possession and territory. Replacement hooker Jimmy Meadows added to the tally with a sharp dart from dummy-half and Max completed a fine individual performance with his second try after sustained attacking pressure.

Widnes were largely restricted in the closing stages as London’s defence remained solid and the side continued to apply pressure in attack. Although a final score was denied, the Broncos saw out the match comfortably to cap a convincing performance built on control, intensity, and a decisive second-half display.

London Broncos: 1 Morea Morea, 2 Elliot Wallis, 3 Robert Mathias, 4 Alex Max, 26 Neil Tchamambe. 6 Connor O’Beirne, 7 Dean Hawkins, 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 13 Siliva Havili, 26 Epel Kapinias, 11 Luke Smith, 12 Jack Croft, 15 Sadiq Adebiyi.

Replacements: 10 Emely Bitungane, 18 Jimmy Meadows, 23 Gairo Voro, 24 Lewis Bienek.

Tries: Hawkins 10, Max 19, 74, Mathias 38, Campbell-Gillard 46, Bienek 52, Wallis 56, Meadows 61.

Goals: Croft 6/8

Sin-bin: None

Widnes Vikings: 1 Matt Fleming, 2 Mike Butt, 3 Jack Owens, 4 Joe Edge, 5 Ryan Ince, 6 Joe Lyons, 22 Jordan Abdull, 8 Dan Murray, 9 Jordan Johnstone, 21 Jay Chapelhow, 11 Sam Wilde, 12 Max Roberts, 13 Nick Gregson.

Replacements: 10 Liam Bent, 14 Matty Fozard, 18 Morgan McWhirter, 20 Jack Bibby.

Tries: Johnstone 24, Wilde 33

Goals: Abdull 2/3

Sin-bin: None

Referee: Tara Jones MBE

HT: 16–12

Penalty awarded count: 3–9

Attendance: 4,380