The Vikings made it three wins on the bounce with a hard-fought 20-14 victory over Barrow Raiders at the Northern Competitions Stadium.

Allan Coleman’s side trailed at the break but produced a strong second-half performance to keep their playoff push on track.

A bruising first 40 minutes saw Barrow edge ahead, Brad Walker opening the scoring with a penalty goal after a high tackle. Ten minutes before the break, Tee Ritson forced his way over out wide to extend the Raiders’ advantage to 8-0 at half-time.

The Vikings struck back quickly after the restart through the returning Jake Maizen, who powered through a gap in the defence for a crucial try.

Hooker Matty Fozard was twice denied close to the line, but persistence paid off as he eventually dived over from close range to give his side the lead.

That lead would be quickly extended as Joe Edge took a Barrow kick on his line before racing the length of the field for his second try in consecutive games.

The Vikings sealed the win with five minutes remaining as another break from Edge allowed Nick Gregson to race in for his first try of the season to extend the lead to 12.

Barrow responded late on through Joe Bullock, but it proved only a consolation as Widnes closed out a vital 20-14 victory.

We turn our attention to a huge clash with Featherstone Rovers in the race for the playoffs, next Saturday at the Millennium Stadium. Tickets are available HERE.

CREDIT: RLPIX.COM

 

TEAMS AND SCORERS

Barrow Raiders: Cresswell, Bulman, Broadbent, Toal, Ritson, Walker, Johnston, Walker, Smith, Bullock, Robson, Stack, King

Interchanges: Emslie, McMillan, Doolan, Brown, Gittens-Bedward (18th)

Tries: Ritson, Bullock

Goals: Walker x3

 

Widnes Vikings: Maizen, Edge, Owens, Fleming, Bennison, W Roberts, Gimore, Murray, Johnstone, McWhirter, M Roberts, Condon, Gregson

Interchanges: Fozard, Lawton, Hall, Bibby, Bennion (18th)

Tries: Maizen, Fozard, Edge, Gregson

Goals: W Roberts x2