Widnes target one more victory as squad depth is put to the test once more
It has been a solid debut season for the Widnes women’s team in the National Championship, who last week all but secured their status in the division for the 2027 campaign.
A spirited second half performance that finished 12-6 in the Vikings favour wasn’t enough to avoid a 38-12 defeat against a quality Warrington team, however results elsewhere now means Castleford Tigers will need to win their remaining two games and overturn a 296 points difference deficit to jump above Widnes in the league table to safety.
The Vikings would also have to lose both remaining fixtures against Sheffield Eagles, who sit fifth and Manchester Swinton Lionesses, who are currently undefeated National Championship leaders to suffer relegation.
Team news
Four changes are made to Dom Deans match day squad that takes on Sheffield Eagles. Front-row duo Ellie Reid and Vicky Grace are unavailable for the clash, whilst Back-row options Chloe Richardson and Tracy Peet are also absent from this weekends squad.
Becky Webb slots back into the squad after recovering from a minor Shoulder injury at Centre, whilst Tina Millan moves into the Back-row after two eye catching performances.
Stand-off Hollie Jones makes a return to the squad, partnering Aimee Wood at Half-back, whilst Rachael Porter returns to the Back-row where she impressed several weeks ago.
Widnes also welcome Full-back KJ Fraser and middle Kat Williams into the squad. The duo link up with the Vikings for their debuts from the women’s Army Rugby League team, adding valuable experience to the Widnes squad.
Loose-forward Jenny Moss pushes up to Front-row partnering Hannah Whitehead, whilst Sammy Traynor starts at Hooker rotating with Juliet Porter, who will add impact off the interchange bench.
Hooker Lily Wilkinson and Back-row Simone Hart both remain sidelined.
One more victory targeted
The Vikings are now down to their last two remaining fixtures after battling all season to secure their Championship status.
Along the way Widnes have secured some emphatic victories, competed against the best and suffered some agonising defeats against teams just above them in the league table.
Two point and four point defeats came against Hull FC and Oulton Raidette’s, these results have spurred Widnes on to try to end the season on a high and secure one final victory.
With valuable experience gained throughout the year, Widnes are determined to build on this years success as they continue to develop within the women’s Rugby League pyramid.
