The Vikings march onto the League One Grand Final, whilst a key player earns another international call up
The away team was fast out of the starting blocks, forcing the league leaders to defend deep in their own half of the field for the first 15 minutes of the game.
The Vikings was on the wrong side of the penalty count early doors and the pressure soon told with Stanningley opening the scoring in the left corner, following some slick handling from the visitors.
As the first half progressed it was clear points would come for the home team, providing they could play the game in the right area of the field. Some strong carries from the Vikings forward pack started to change the momentum of the game.
Aimee Wood began to pull the strings with her kicking game, turning around the experienced Stanningley pack. Some strong kick chase defence from Widnes forced errors and allowed them to begin to get a foot hold in the game.
The Vikings eventually punished the mistakes made by the away team and two looping balls over the top of the defence by Aimee Wood saw Winger Tracy Peet grab a first half brace.
Both tries was a mirror image of each other and both required the Winger to finish in a tight space. Aimee Wood made no mistake with either conversion sending the Vikings into the break 12-4 ahead, despite not being at their scintillating best.
The second half began and the Vikings started to impose their dominance in the game demonstrating exactly why they finished league leaders.
Widnes upped the intensity showcasing more punishing defence off the back of some smart last tackle plays, which forced Stanningley to start sets off their own goal line.
Loose Forward Jenny Moss led from the front throughout ball in hand with some strong carries in attack and some slick ball play putting her forwards through gaps on multiple occasions.
The link up play between Moss and Front-Rower Ellie Reid caused chaos all second half leading to numerous line breaks.
The pressure was building and with that the defence cracked. A strong direct run from Back-Row Codie Slack scattered the defence as she forced her way over from 10 metres out under the posts.
Again there was no mistake with the extras from Aimee Wood sending the scores to 18-4 in the Vikings favour.
As the game reached the closing stages, Widnes grew in confidence moving the ball around with ease. The best try was saved for the end with some smart distribution at Hooker from Sammy Traynor, who found Aimee Wood in space.
She ran at the defensive line with pace and a smart line from Back-Row Chloe Richardson attracted defenders. The ball was released by Wood out the back to Hannah Quirk who scampered to the line touching down in the left corner.
The conversion was missed meaning the score line finished 22-4 in the Vikings favour.
The result meant that it would set up a Grand Final on the 12th of October against 2nd placed Wakefield following their 26-4 semi-final victory over Workington Town.
The final will be contested by the two most consistent teams throughout the league campaign, setting up a compelling final match of the season between the divisions best.
More international honours for Becky Webb
The celebrations didn’t just stop with a semi-final victory for Widnes. Versatile player Becky Webb earned yet another call up to the Irish international squad for this coming weekend.
Ireland take on the Netherlands on October 4th and Webb will be in contention to feature in her second international game of the season, following an appearance off the bench against France earlier this year.
A player who can play Back-Row or Centre equally as well, has been a crucial piece in the Vikings team for numerous seasons. She also boasts a long, successful background playing Hockey.
Becky has transferred her skill set onto the Rugby League field effortlessly, improving her all round game season on season.
She has played a pivotal role in the success on the field for Widnes throughout the year, her international call up is testament to her ability and performances throughout the season.
Everyone connected to the club wishes Becky the best of luck on her latest call up to the Irish squad.
