Widnes suffer their third defeat of the season after a brave performance against Cardiff Demons

It was always going to be a difficult task for newly promoted Widnes to come away with a result against Cardiff. Despite a brave performance Widnes fell to a 40-4 defeat, a scoreline that does not reflect the performance of the team for large periods.

The Demons defeated Super League team Featherstone Rovers in the Challenge Cup 24-12 earlier on in the season, highlighting their pedigree.

Cardiff sit second in the 2026 National Championship table, only tasting defeat against London Broncos this season, who also knocked Super League team Leigh Leopards out of the 2026 Challenge Cup.

Despite Cardiff registering the most points scored in the competition prior to kick off, Widnes made their opponents work for points, forcing Cardiff to put the ball through fast hands to score tries.

The Vikings middle unit put in a monumental effort going toe to toe with the Demon’s pack for large periods of the game. Front-rowers Hannah Whitehead and Tracy Peet carried the ball as powerful as ever.

Loose-forward Jenny Moss produced her usual maximum effort performance with some solid defence and brave carries.

Rachael Porter continued to blossom in the Back-row with a strong defensive display, whilst the returning Chloe Richardson added impact off the interchange bench.

Back in the starting line up, Hooker Sammy Traynor dived over for the Vikings only points of the afternoon.

The difference between the two teams

The difference between the two teams was no doubt the clinical execution of the more experienced Cardiff team.

Widnes had their fair share of field position, however failed to transform pressure into points. Cardiff’s defensive shape and structure was impeccable throughout highlighting the teams Super League aspirations.

In comparison Cardiff’s attacking shape and slick execution was mightily impressive exposing gaps on the Widnes defensive edges.

Greater for the experience

Despite the teams disappointment, the exposure to the standard of Rugby League that was on display will only better this growing Widnes team.

Playing against the best teams is when a playing group takes the most learnings.

This Widnes team will continue working hard on the training field to close the gap on the much more experienced teams in the competition.

Widnes currently sit 7th in the National Championship table, four points ahead of 8th placed Bradford Bulls.

Sitting in mid table with a fifty percent winning record for a promoted team is a fantastic achievement with plenty more points still to play for in 2026.

National Championship results

Cardiff Demons 40-4 Widnes Vikings

Hull KR 20-12 Hull FC

Bradford Bulls 0-56 London Broncos

Oulton Raidette’s 16-56 Sheffield Eagles

Salford RLFC 10-66 Warrington Wolves

Castleford Tigers 0-82 Manchester Swinton Lionesses