Rivals collide once more as Widnes take on Oldham in a winner takes all clash
It is the end of the 2026 road for one of Widnes or Oldham as the teams prepare for the fourth battle of the season. Widnes go into the game with home advantage following their brave display away to Oldham only two weeks ago.
On the day the Vikings secured a dramatic 30-24 victory against adversity having lost three interchanges in the first 25 minutes of the game. Despite the early set back, Widnes galvanised as a team and produced one of the performances of the season.
The victory resulted in Widnes taking Oldham’s seeding in the play-off race.
The Vikings also secured an 18-12 victory against Oldham away from home in round three of the Championship. A last gasp Ryan Ince try was the difference between the two teams in another close encounter.
Widnes will take heart from both victories, however Oldham will take confidence from their comprehensive victory at the DCBL Stadium back in June.
On the night Oldham secured a 28-10 victory in a game the Vikings was second best in from the first whistle. Former Widnes players Owen Farnworth and Ted Chapelhow run their blood to water, whilst Josh Drinkwater managed the game from his boot.
It was a convincing performance by Oldham and a reminder of the quality within their playing group.
Battered and bruised Widnes
It has been a tough couple of weeks for the Vikings, who enter the game with several injury concerns. Jordan Johnstone will miss the clash due to a head injury sustained against Newcastle Thunder, he will now follow HIA protocols.
Mike Butt and Sam Wilde are back in contention this week and are in contention to make a return to fitness. Both players would be vital options for Allan Coleman with their experience and strong yardage carries.
Lewis Hall remains sidelined as does Jumah Sambou, who continued to play injured in the last encounter with Oldham.
Joe Edge and Matt Fleming seasons are over, whilst Liam Bent has returned to full fitness and is available for selection.
Oldham team news
Alan Kilshaw makes two changes to his squad that comprehensively beat Midlands Hurricanes last weekend. Bailey Liu returns having served his suspension, whilst Lukas Mason is also available for selection after featuring in Wigan’s 42-0 reserve Grand Final victory over Warrington.
Valu Tane Bentley drops out of the squad alongside Emanuel Wane, who is likely to depart Oldham at the seasons end.
Determined for revenge
Oldham will be desperate to fix their wrongs from two weeks ago. Passion, fight and desire will be the order of the day for the winning team.
There is certainly no love lost between the two coaches after controversial images of players was leaked after a game between Swinton and Widnes over two years ago.
Kilshaw was the coach at the time of Swinton, who appeared to place images on the dressing room wall of Widnes players, including one of Nick Gregson with a noose around his neck. Ever since the pairs relationship has been a fractured one.
The performances of former Widnes players Owen Farnworth and Ted Chapelhow have been outstanding against Widnes even in defeat. Their aggression and desire to taste victory against Widnes has been on display in all three games this year and Sunday will be no different.
Despite finishing ahead of Widnes in the league table, the Vikings secured Oldham’s play off seeding two weeks ago and have two victories compared to Oldham’s one.
All of the above make Sunday’s play off clash mouth watering, with both teams seasons on the line.
