The Vikings Championship campaign is up and running at the second time of asking, but at the cost of more bumps and bruises
It was another gutsy display from Dom Dean’s girls, who battled back from 16-8 down at half-time to secure a 42-20 victory against Salford RLFC.
The team entered the game without Loose-forward Jenny Moss and Winger Naoimh Gill-Ward who are following HIA protocols.
Hooker Lily Wilkinson was unavailable for the game, whilst Pack leading Prop Hannah Whitehead only made a cameo appearance after sustaining a knee injury last week against local rivals Warrington.
First half action
The first half was a frustrating one for Widnes, who invited preasure on themselves throughout. Individual errors cost the group as Salford capitalised through Anna Denis, Alex Simpson and Jodie Morris.
Despite being far from their best, Widnes clung in and stayed in touch on the scoreboard. Hooker Sammy Traynor scored a signature try diving over from close range and Evie Price-Horrocks touched down in the corner.
Both conversions was missed, but the Vikings was still within striking distance of Salford RLFC.
Second half action
A frustrated head coach Dom Dean sent out a clear message at half time to his troops, which was to cut down the errors and start playing to set play points.
The call was get back to basics and regain control of the game in the middle of the field.
To his teams credit Widnes did exactly that and come firing out the starting blocks. Widnes racked up 34 points without a response in the space of half an hour, leaving Salford RLFC stunned.
Hannah Quirk displayed her athletic ability scoring two tries on the left side of the attack. The Winger skirted down the touchline off the back of two well worked training ground moves.
Forwards Ellie Reid and Cody Slack also powered over from close range, both running strong lines.
Marnie Lee-Kelly jinked her way over the try line for her try and Sammy Traynor grabbed her second of the afternoon again from close range, exposing some sloppy marker play.
The visitors had the final say scoring a consolation try, but it was Widnes who walked away with two vital Championship points.
Heartened by squad depth
Head coach Dom Dean will be heartened by his groups second half response. The performance highlighted his teams strong mental ability, pushing through adversity without several key players.
Hannah Goulbourne, Carraghan Hannon and Simone Hart all stepped into the team this week and contributed to the second half turnaround.
All three players staked a strong claim to be in the team for the Vikings round three Championship clash with Bradford Bulls and demonstrated what squad depth Dom Dean has to select from.
More injury woes
The victory, however did come at a cost for the Vikings who lost Prop Tracy Peet to a deep head cut and experienced Back-row Chloe Richardson to a potential ligament injury.
Both girls will be assessed prior to the teams next league game against Bradford Bulls away from home.
National Championship results
Widnes Vikings 42-20 Salford RLFC
Manchester Swinton Lionesses 32-10 Sheffield Eagles
Bradford Bulls 4-12 Hull KR
Warrington Wolves 52-0 Oulton Raidette’s
National Championship league table
