Rochdale stand in the way of Widnes booking their place in the 1895 Cup Final, as London await the winners
Widnes welcome Rochdale Hornets to the DCBL stadium as the Vikings are within 80 minutes of booking their place in the 1895 Cup Final.
It is astonishing that Widnes have made the Semi-Final stage of the competition, after trailing 18-0 at half time in the previous round against Newcastle Thunder.
Despite the set back, Widnes came storming back scoring five second half tries with Leon Hayes adding all of the extras to cement the Vikings place in the Semi-Finals.
Courage, determination and hunger was on display in abundance for all to see, qualities Allan Coleman often highlights about his team during club interviews.
The traits listed will once more need to be on display if the Vikings are to progress to the final, however Widnes will be hoping to take control of the game from the start this time around.
Not to be underestimated
There is no doubt that Widnes enter the game as firm favourites with the Vikings winning the last eight competitive matches between the two teams.
Rochdale’s last victory against Widnes was a shock 31-18 away win back in 2006, former Widnes players Phil Cantillon, Lee Doran and Chris Giles all got on the score sheet for the Hornets on the day.
A similar backs against the wall performance will be needed by Rochdale if they are to come away winners Sunday afternoon.
Despite entering as underdogs, the Hornets are no strangers to an upset after coming from behind twice to defeat Sheffield Eagles 32-18 in round one of the competition.
On the day Rochdale come from 10-0 and 14-8 down, to run out comfortable winners.
Half-backs Jamie Dalimore and Jack Hansen had inspired performances with Dalimore controlling the game and Hansen executing numerous plays off the back of his control.
Rochdale have players who can hurt Widnes, Junior Sa’u most notably will be a threat from close range in the Centres, whilst Jack Hansen and Jamie Dalimore have pound for pound been the Half-back combination of the season considering Rochdale’s budget compared to others in the second tier.
Late recruits Chris Barratt and Mark Ioane have been smart signings who certainly don’t lack aggression in the middle of the field.
Selection headache for Coleman
Allan makes one change to his 21 match day squad with Matt Fleming returning from injury to replace Frank Sergent.
Morgan McWhirter also is now fit, firing and ready to go having been kept back a week by head coach Allan Coleman. The Vikings look strong in the pack with the return of Adam Lawton, Jay Chapelhow and Morgan McWhirter.
Jack Billington has impressed on loan for Widnes, whilst Jack Houghton has held his own when called upon.
Liam Bent is also knocking on the door for his first appearance since injury.
It will be a tough call for Coleman to make on who misses out on selection as the Vikings are 80 minutes away from a first final since 2019.
Mike’s Semi-Final 17
- Nathan Connell
- Mike Butt
- Joe Edge
- Kieran Taylor
- Ryan Ince
- Jack Owens
- Tom Gilmore
- Jay Chapelhow
- Jordan Johnstone
- Dan Murray
- Sam Wilde
- Max Roberts
- Morgan McWhirter
- Matty Fozard
- Danny Langtree
- Adam Lawton
- Jack Billington
Widnes Route to the Semi-Finals
Round one – Dewsbury Rams 10-50 Widnes Vikings
Quarter-Finals – Widnes Vikings 30-20 Newcastle Thunder
Rochdale route to the Semi-Finals
Round one – Rochdale Hornets 32-18 Sheffield Eagles
Quarter-Finals – Rochdale Hornets 24-6 Goole Vikings
