Match Report: Widnes Vikings

Widnes Vikings 36 - 42 London Broncos

London Broncos recorded a 42–36 victory over Widnes Vikings after establishing a 22–18 half-time lead before extending their advantage in the second half and holding off a late Widnes fightback.

The opening exchanges were evenly contested before Widnes opened the scoring in the ninth minute. Following consecutive penalties inside the Broncos half, Danny Langtree crossed and Danny Richardson converted for a 6–0 lead.

The Broncos were forced into an early change when Jimmy Meadows left the field through injury after 10 minutes, with Connor O'Beirne entering the action.

London responded quickly. Elliot Wallis beat his defender to score after the ball moved left, with Gairo Voro converting to level the scores. Shortly afterwards, Dean Hawkins threw a pass out the back for Alex Max to cross, and Voro's second successful conversion gave the Broncos a 12–6 lead.

Widnes levelled the scores in the 19th minute when Adam Lawton crossed following an offside penalty, Richardson converting.

The Broncos regained the lead through another left-edge move. Hawkins found Neil Tchamambe, who produced an offload for Max to score his second try of the afternoon. Voro added the conversion before extending London's advantage himself, finishing in the left corner after the ball moved through multiple sets of hands to make it 22–12.

Widnes reduced the deficit shortly before half-time when Richardson crossed for a converted try, leaving the Broncos ahead 22–18 at the break.

The Broncos struck first after the restart. Voro broke through the line before sending Luke Smith away to score, with Voro converting. Minutes later, O'Beirne put Wallis over for his second try after Widnes dropped an interception opportunity, extending London's lead.

Glare then made a break to create further attacking opportunities, while Widnes were held up over the line and later had a try ruled out for a forward pass.

The Broncos continued to capitalise on field position. Voro found Tchamambe for the winger's first try before Hawkins' grubber forced another attacking opportunity, with Tchamambe crossing again after quick passing from the middle to the edge. Voro converted both tries to give London a 42–18 advantage.

Widnes mounted a late comeback in the closing stages. Tom Gilmore scored in the 74th minute before Adam Lawton added his second try three minutes later. Mike Butt crossed in the final minute after Widnes earned back-to-back penalties, with Richardson converting all three tries.



Despite conceding three late scores, the Broncos held on to secure a 42–36 victory.

London Broncos: 18 Jimmy Meadows, 26 Neil Tchamambe, 4 Alex Max, 3 Robert Mathias 2 Elliot Wallis, 23 Gairo Voro, 7 Dean Hawkins, 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 14 Finley Glare, 16 Epel Kapinias, 12 Jack Croft, 11 Luke Smith, 13 Siliva Havili.

Replacements: 6 Connor O’Beirne, 10 Emarly Bitungane, 17 Marcus Stock, 24 Lewis Bienek 18th man: 15 Sadiq Adebiyi

Tries: Wallis (14, 49), Max (18, 23), Voro (32), Smith (45), Tchamambe (61, 69)

Conversions: Voro 5/8

Widnes Vikings: 23 Nathan Connell, 2 Mike Butt, 4 Joe Edge, 12 Max Roberts, 5 Ryan Ince, 17 Danny Richardson, 7 Tom Gilmore, 8 Dan Murray, 9 Jordan Johnstone, 21 Jay Chapelhow, 16 Danny Langtree, 11 Sam Wilde, 13 Nick Gregson.

 Replacements: 14 Matty Fozard, 34 Nathan Wilde, 15 Lewis Hall, 19 Adam Lawton 18th man: 25 Kieran Taylor

Tries: Langtree (9), Lawton (20, 74), Richardson (33), Gilmore (74), Butt (78)

Conversions: Richardson (6/6)