Widnes women are set to celebrate a top of the table finish Sunday afternoon, following Halifax Panthers decision to concede this weeks game
The 2025 League One campaign for the Vikings has been one full of pride, commitment and dominance to everyone connected. Building off the back of a Cup final victory last term, the women have continued their fine form into this season by dominating the division.
Dom Dean’s women have romped home to claim the league title, winning a total of 11 out of a possible 12 matches so far with their only defeat coming to 4th placed Fryston away from home 34-32.
The Vikings squad has been building nicely season after season and now it feels the women have the right balance between youth and experience to go on to play-off glory.
The teams league deciding fixture was due to take place before Widnes Vs London Broncos this Sunday, however the match was conceded by bottom of the table Halifax Panthers as they was unable to field a team.
Despite the disappointment of the match postponement, Sunday remains the perfect opportunity for supporters to celebrate and congratulate the teams achievement.
Speaking on the season so far head coach Dom Dean hailed his playing group by saying “The girls have been fantastic to work with this year, their efforts have been superb.”
“During preseason we set our goals as do other clubs and lifting the league leaders shield was one of them targets we wanted to achieve.”
“We wanted to be the best team consistently over the regular season to put us in a good position going into the play-offs.”
“The girls have had some tough battles throughout the season and losing our first game was tough, however the reaction from that leading into the next match was exactly what we needed and from that point we went from strength to strength.”
“Whether we have gone behind in games, conceded the first try or let leads slip the team has displayed character and determination in their performances.”
Concluding his thoughts on his team Dom went onto say “I am so proud of them this year, they are a privilege to coach and it is an honour to be on this journey alongside them.”
“They deserve huge credit for what they have achieved whilst I have been coach and I can’t wait to see where our journey takes us.”
The Vikings number 10 Hannah Whitehead also spoke on the women’s achievements this season by adding “This season has been an incredible one to be a part of, the girls have worked so hard on and off the field and it has paid off.”
Speaking prior to the postponement of the Halifax fixture Hannah expressed her excitement for the game ahead and was relishing the challenge. Playing in front of a healthy crowd and feeling the encouragement from supporters was something that really excited the girls.
Widnes have one remaining league fixture on the 21st September away at Leigh Miners Rangers before they host a home play-off semi final.
Given the disappointment surrounding this weeks cancelled game it would be fantastic to see as many Vikings supporters to cheer on the women hopefully to finals glory.
International recognition
Earlier this year the teams dominance on the field was rewarded with girls being selected for international honours. Full-Back Hannah Quirk was selected to represent England community Lions following an impressive couple of seasons for the club.
Hannah is a devastating broken field runner, with an eye for the try line and is one of the top talents in the division.
It was also announced Hooker Lily Wilkinson earned a call up to the under 21’s England Community Lions squad following a number of impressive performances for the team throughout the season.
Wilkinson has played a pivotal role in the Vikings success, controlling the game from the middle of the pitch and is one of the top talents in League One with her best years of her career still ahead of her.
The international call ups didn’t stop here as Becky Webb was also selected for Ireland against France earlier in the season. Webb who can play Centre or in the forwards has been another consistent performer for the women for a number of seasons.
Webb joined the Vikings in 2022 and has overcome a serious Ankle injury since. Testament to her character and courage she has made a full recovery and has returned to her very best form.
A player who relishes the physicality of the game will no doubt play an important role in the Vikings quest for play-off glory.
The next home fixture
The teams next home fixture will be a play-off semi final on home soil. The opponents are yet to be decided with a round of fixtures remaining.
A Widnes semi final victory would lead the Women to the League One grand final at Odsal on the 12th October to take on one final challenge in the season.
It would be great to see Vikings supporters in attendance on the play-off journey to help carry the girls over the finishing line and celebrate their season achievements.
