Widnes live to fight another day as they make the trip to Barrow
Following a convincing 30-10 home victory over struggling Batley, Widnes head to Cumbria hoping to keep their slim play-off hopes alive. It is back to back victories for Allan Colemans team for the first time since February.
Dec Patton has been influential with his long range kicking game in recent weeks and is developing a strong partnership with youngster Will Roberts who has also impressed when called upon.
The Half-Back duo will have to be on point once more to turn back to back wins into three consecutive wins. Australian duo Ben Condon and Morgan McWhirter are improving as the games go on as the Vikings look to be hitting some end of season form.
It has been a disruptive season for Widnes both on the recruitment and injury front. Several players have arrived and departed mid season, making it difficult to field a consistent team week in week out.
It is clear the depth of the squad at the start of the season was too shallow and has had an impact on the inconsistent form over the season with an abundance of chopping and changing to the player roster.
Despite this it feels the squad is as settled as it has been all season and its no coincidence performances have improved as a result. More players are on the training field and selected players are playing a run of games in the same positions, helping combinations and confidence.
A win for Widnes would see them leap above Barrow in the table and keep alive any slim hopes of a play-off finish, however it won’t be easy against a strong Barrow team.
One to Watch
It is no surprise Tee Ritson is this weeks player to watch. A player with speed to burn has often terrorised the Vikings defence in past seasons.
Ritson is arguably the most dangerous Winger in the Championship, he will look to utilise his blistering speed in broken field as often as possible.
He will be at the top of the list of players Allan Coleman will be analysing before kick off, planning to restrict his time on the ball in space.
The Widnes kick chase will have to be on point all afternoon to restrict his time in broken field. Any fracture in the Widnes chasing defensive line Ritson will no doubt smell blood and look to capitalise.
Strong ball carriers Ryan King, Ellis Robson and Charlie Emslie if selected will have to be handled by the Widnes forward pack. Winning collision is a must putting the Barrow pack on their backs in the tackle to reduce quick play the balls for Ritson to feed off.
How Barrow shape up
Head coach Paul Crarey will celebrate his 251st match in charge of the Raiders. He hit the 250 mark in Barrows away fixture last week against Oldham.
The fixture against Widnes will be a celebration for Pauls achievements for the club providing the perfect reason for a big Barrow performance in front of their home support.
On the player front, Barrow name a strong match day 21 man squad. Former Super League Prop Joe Bullock put pen to paper on a permanent deal for for the club. He is expected to make an appearance in the Front-Row.
Pack leaders Ryan King, Ellis Robson and Tom Walker are all listed by Paul Crarey and are expected to make the match day 17. Former Widnes man Brad Walker is expected to play alongside Ryan Johnstone in the Halves.
Captain Jarrod Stack is expected to celebrate his 350th appearance for the club if selected, another cause for celebration for Barrow.
In better news for Widnes Hooker Josh Wood is expected to miss the clash and replaced by former Widnes trialist Aiden Doolan. Experienced forwards Tom Wilkinson and James Greenwood also miss out due to injury.
Australian utility player Alex Bishop and Centre Matty Costello are also unavailable for the Raiders.
Previous 5 meetings
- Widnes 12-37 Barrow – April 13th 2025
- Barrow 24-26 Widnes – September 29th 2024
- Widnes 44-8 Barrow – March 17th 2024
- Barrow 26-18 Widnes – June 18th 2023
- Widnes 23-14 Barrow – April 16th 2023
Trivia
- Since 1900 194 matches have been played between the two teams. Overall Widnes have had the upper hand in the fixture winning 107 games compared to Barrows 78.
- Widnes hold the record of the biggest winning margin in a game between the two teams. Back in 2008 the Vikings secured a 78-0 demolition of the Raiders and scored 13 tries on the day. Tim Hartley converted every goal on the day to add to the Raiders pain.
- Paul McMillan is the only Barrow player to of scored a hat trick against Widnes back in 1998. On the day Widnes still managed to clinch a 22-36 away victory.
