Context is key as Widnes fall to final friendly defeat, as the team look ahead to the start of the Championship season
Widnes finalised their pre-season preparations Thursday evening falling to a 32-6 defeat away to Manchester Lionesses. The Vikings squad was decimated in terms of player availability, missing up to five key players going into the game.
The friendly arrangement was a bold call by head coach Dom Dean, who opted to test his newly promoted team against one of the competition favourites.
Despite the absences of Loose-forward Jenny Moss, Back-row Codie Slack, Front-row Ellie Reid, Full-back Hannah Quirk and outside back Juliet Porter, the team put in a sterling effort and went toe to toe with Manchester for the majority of the game.
Simone Hart made a cameo appearance off the bench for Widnes towards the end of the game as she returned to fitness.
Other than Simone’s appearance in the later stages, Widnes only had Hooker Lilly Wilkinson and forward Vickie Grace to call upon off the interchange bench in comparison to Manchester, who had seven interchange options.
Hannah Whitehead and Tracy Peet both put in monumental performances in the Front-row in attack and defence. Both women went the distance and played a full 80 minutes.
Naoimh Gill-Ward once more was mightily impressive at Full-back with her yardage carries and defensive efforts. The versatile back has blistering pace and will be a weapon for Widnes to unleash this season in the right areas.
This season was always going to be a significant step up in standard and for the team to compete for large periods with so many absences against high level opposition was an encouraging sign for head coach Dom Dean.
Ultimately the difference between the two teams was line speed and shape in attacking positions, both areas can be addressed on the training field alongside the returning personnel. Physically the Vikings did not look out of place.
Credit has to go to Manchester who showed in moments why they have been competing at the top of the division for several years, however having been exposed to the standard of the Championship, Widnes will be all the better for the experience.
Oldham cup tie
Widnes will take on Oldham away from home in the first round of the Challenge Shield. The cup competition is competed by teams from the Championship and leagues one, two and three.
The Vikings will head into the game heavy favourites having secured promotion to the Championship last season. As for Oldham it will be the clubs first season competing in the woman’s Rugby pyramid.
Oldham have secured a 56-0 victory over Keighley in pre-season, but most recently fell to a 24-18 defeat to Sheffield Eagles A.
The first round clash between Widnes and Oldham will take place 22nd March.
The competition will include 30 teams who will all compete for silverware, the first round losing teams will all automatically enter a separate knockout competition called the Challenge Plate.
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