Widnes left with work to do after Hunslet victory

It was far from a complete performance by Widnes, but eventually Allan Coleman’s men ran out 32-26 winners against a stubborn Hunslet team.

All the credit goes to an injury struck Hunslet, littered with short term loan players. The visitors made life difficult all afternoon and can be considered harshly treated having had a certain try ruled out wrongly.

Despite the Vikings struggles defensively, it was Widnes who claimed the two points maintaining their second position in the Championship table.

Nathan Connell – 8

The talented youngster continues to impress. He bagged two tries and was the Vikings biggest running threat ball in hand. He still has work to do positionally, however as each game passes, he keeps improving and learning. He is certainly a diamond that is being polished and the sky is the limit for the young Full-back.

Ryan Ince – 7

He was continuously landing on his front carrying the ball and took some difficult catches from the boot of Gaskell. He was rock solid throughout and had a try put on a plate for him by Full-back Nathan Connell.

Matt Fleming – 7

His impressive form continues. His desire to chase back when the defensive line had been broken was on show on more than one occasion. His side of the field for the majority of the game was solid defensively and he was a key part of that. He is the surprise package of the season so far.

Jumah Sambou – 7

The physical, robust Centre demonstrated the reason why he was brought to Widnes. He made two try assists including bulldozing Hunslet defenders and releasing a one handed pass for Nathan Connell to score. Defensively he has areas to improve but what he brings in attack outweighs his flaws. He is a lethal weapon for Widnes out wide.

Mike Butt – 7

Butty was on the side of the pitch that struggled defensively, however he wasn’t to blame for the faults. He worked tirelessly in yardage as always and took his try well. His break for the Widnes second try was exceptional and he showed composure to assist Max Roberts with the final pass.

Jordan Abdull – 6

It was an afternoon to forget for Jordan. Defensively he got isolated and one on one he looked frail. Two of his passes led to interceptions at crucial moments of the game, thankfully the second was ruled out. He did add value in attack grabbing an assist and his kick offs caused chaos at times but overall his defence must improve otherwise teams will capitalise.

Tom Gilmore – 8

The Scrum half controlled the game for Widnes and was a calm head amongst the chaos. He looks close to his best form after an off season operation and his short kicking game hurt Hunslet. He moved Widnes around the field and was first to collect two loose balls, both at crucial moments.

Dan Murray – 7

The Front-rower must of topped the carry count in the forwards. He gets through a mountain of work week in week out. Once again he set the platform and Widnes struggled when the starting middles departed the field. He is a leader of men in this team by actions.

Matty Fozard – 7

It was a full 80 minute performance this week from Matty. He had to reserve energy throughout the game due to his minutes, but still asked plenty of questions from the Hunslet pack. There is no doubt Widnes are a bigger threat when he is on the field pulling the strings. His quick thinking got him an assist as he slotted Jordan Johnstone through a gap for the first try.

Jay Chapelhow – 7

Similar to Dan Murray, Widnes struggled when he departed the field. The Vikings look most dominant when he is on the field and he was unlucky not to bag himself a try. His sin bin was harsh but ultimately it put Widnes under preasure in the final stages, which he will be disappointed with. Despite this he is crucial to the middle unit.

Max Roberts – 7

Ultimately he scored two tries and his support play was rewarded, however he struggled defensively and got isolated one on one. His side of the pitch looked nervous defensively all afternoon and got exposed. Despite this his work rate was there as always and he will no doubt fix up his defensive efforts.

Danny Langtree – 8

It was his best performance this season. He carried strong and was rock solid defensively. Perhaps a switch to Jordan Abdull’s side of the field would benefit Widnes to stiffen up the Vikings defence. His offloading game was a threat and his try saving cover tackle rivalled Dan Murray’s from the previous week. Efforts like this highlight the desire of this Widnes team.

Jordan Johnstone – 7

He secured the first try and as always was a rock defensively. Alongside the Front-rowers the Vikings struggled down the middle without his presence. Competition at Loose-forward is high this season and he is one of the best options of the lot.

Jack Owens – 6

It is only a six due to limited minutes played, however he led by example when he entered the playing arena. His desire to chase across the pitch to force an error from Lee Gaskell highlighted his commitment and desperation to earn his place back. His introduction was Coleman trusting and needing his captain during the Vikings toughest period of the game.

Lewis Hall – 6

The Widnes middle unit struggled when interchanges was made. The Vikings lacked control of the forward battle and struggled controlling the ruck in the middle period of the game. More impact was needed, something not usually said about Lewis Hall.

Adam Lawton – 7

He was the best of the bench and packed a punch coming on in the middle of the pitch. He played relatively conservative and it was exactly the right approach in a team performance that lacked composure. He was a calming influence ball in hand and made plenty of metres. He can be pleased with his work on Sunday.

Jack Bibby – 5

It was a tough afternoon for Jack in a season that hasn’t really got going for the middle. His first touch was a handling error and a couple more followed. He doesn’t look the same player as last season and got dominated on a few occasions in collision. There is a good player in Jack, but he needs to rediscover his form of last season.