The Vikings battled gallantly against unbeaten London, whilst a key combination continued to blossom

The Vikings was agonisingly close to creating the shock of the 2026 season as they fell to a 42-36 defeat against London Broncos.

Tempo and ruck speed was controlled by London throughout, who time and time again rolled Widnes down the length of the pitch within five tackles.

Gairo Voro was at the heart of London’s impressive attacking shape and his switch to Full back tormented the Vikings defence all afternoon.

Despite the visible class on display from the visitors, Widnes desperately clung on and inflicted damage to the Broncos defence.

Tom Gilmore and Danny Richardson continued to build their partnership and looked fluid throughout. The pair was a thorn in the Broncos defence all afternoon creating all sorts of problems for the visitors.

Danny Langtree and Adam Lawton physically took the game to London and looked a threat ball in hand all afternoon, whilst Jordan Johnstone produced an all round master class in attack and defence.

Widnes trailed 42-18 in the later stages of the second half, with the Broncos threatening to pull away, however tries from Adam Lawton, Mike Butt and Tom Gilmore set up a grand stand finish.

Time run out for Widnes, who secured a moral victory despite losing the match. Passion, resilience and quality in attack against the unbeaten competition leaders was all on display for the Vikings.

Half back headache for 2027

The relationship between current starting Half-back’s Danny Richardson and Tom Gilmore has been a highlight in recent weeks. The pair have blossomed as the season has progressed.

A strong understanding of roles on the field continues to develop between the duo and the Vikings attack has been at its best as a result.

Tom Gilmore’s deal expires at the end of the season, whilst Danny Richardson is in search of a new home for the 2027 campaign.

Joe Lyons is the only Widnes player under contract for the 2027 season that would be considered as a recognisable Half-back option, whilst Rochdale Half-back Jack Hansen has emerged as a possible target for Widnes alongside former Viking Lewis Else.

It leaves Widnes with at least two vacancies to fill in the Half-back positions for 2027. Quality Half-backs at Championship level are becoming increasingly difficult to find due to a 14 team Super League testing the playing pool of the sport to its limit.

With home town talent Gilmore playing some of his best Rugby consistently, it is hard to look past the experienced general as the right man to guide Widnes into the 2027 season, whilst Danny Richardson remains hopeful of securing a Super League return.