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Widnes fall to derby defeat on the opening day

By Mike Parsons

Posted on April 20, 2026

A spirited performance wasn’t enough as Widnes fell to a 24-8 defeat to Cheshire rivals Warrington

It was a battling performance from Widnes as they enjoyed their first taste of Championship action. The Vikings took on a strong Warrington team who was relegated from Super League back in 2025.

Ultimately the experience of Warrington shone through as they ran out worthy 24-8 winners.

Despite the defeat, Widnes can take plenty of positives from their performance into the rest of the Championship season as they search for their first win of the 2026 campaign.

Sammy Traynor and Hannah Quirk got on the score sheet for the hosts, but it wasn’t enough to impact the result.

Dom Deans girls competed and battled throughout the 80 minutes, his forward pack went toe to toe with Warrington’s for large periods and simply did not look out of place at Championship level.

Fitness levels and experience was perhaps the difference come full time, however the group will be all the better for competing against high level opposition week in week out.

The group now turn their attention to round two of the Championship as Widnes take on Salford in yet another home fixture.

Further details of the game will be released throughout the week.