The Raidette’s held off a late Widnes charge to gain two valuable National Championship points

It was a frustrating afternoon for Dom Dean’s girls, who suffered a 26-24 away defeat to Oulton Raidette’s.

The Vikings opened the scoring curtesy of a Hollie Jones flat pass, which sent Centre Rachael Porter thundering over for a 6-0 lead. Plenty of mistakes unfortunately followed for Widnes inviting an abundance of goal line preasure on the team.

Widnes held firm and defended bravely, however on the stroke of half time two quick fire Oulton tries sent the Raidette’s in at the break 10-6 ahead.

A quick start for Widnes was needed for the Vikings to get back on track. Widnes was playing the better Rugby, yet at the wrong end of the field.

Unfortunately just after half time, Oulton broke from deep to score the try of the game, they raced the length of the pitch after some smart Hooker play exposed some lazy defence around the ruck. A successful conversion was kicked to make the score 16-6, pilling the preasure on the Vikings.

Soon after Widnes hit straight back. The Vikings found joy off some direct drives down the pitch. Front-rower Tracy Peet found Winger Alise Gindra in space and the Winger raced down the touchline to score taking the score to 16-10.

The momentum was with Widnes and some strong carries by Jenny Moss and Ellie Reid put the Vikings into good field position. A high last tackle kick was let to bounce into Hannah Quirks arms, the Fullback raced 30 metres to touchdown bringing the scores to 16-14.

Habits from the first half caught up with Widnes once more, another unforced error let Oulton in another good ball area and once more they powered over from close range taking the score to 20-14.

Widnes responded quickly with a well worked try of their own. The Vikings put on some shape and the ball movement from right to left put Full-back Hannah Quirk into space to touchdown out wide. Another missed conversion from Widnes took the score to 20-18.

The Vikings looked to be gaining momentum once more, however yet again an individual error was made deep in their own half of the field and Oulton capitalised taking the game to 26-18 with 10 minutes remaining.

Widnes did not give in and a last 10 minute Vikings onslaught began. Ellie Reid powered her way over with 6 minutes remaining taking the scores to 26-24 with a successful conversion.

In the final moments the Vikings pack marched the Raidette’s down the full length of the pitch. Widnes had one last play 30 metres out. The ball got shipped out and Hannah Quirk fired a pass to Rachael Porter to touch down, however the referee ruled it a forward pass and with that blew time up on the game.

A tough defeat to take

This weekends clash was probably the teams most disappointing result of the 2026 season so far. An unpolished display last season would of been enough to still secure a league victory, however the increase in standard of the Championship punishes teams if they have an off day.

Unfortunately Widnes fell to this fait, producing moments of brilliance, but struggled to sustain it for large periods. Unforced errors was the order of the day for Widnes deep in their end of the field and it is something the group will need to fix up if they are to bounce back against Hull FC.

Despite the disappointment perspective is key for the group, it was a 2 point loss against a seasoned Championship team with plenty of positives still to take.

Rachael Porter looked really sharp at Centre, whilst Hannah Quirk looked back to her dangerous best form running from Full-back.

Jenny Moss put in a brave 80 minute performance leading the Vikings pack, whilst Sammy Traynor looked a threat running from Hooker.

Megan Wall made her debut for the club off the interchange bench at 17 years of age, the youngster defended bravely throughout the afternoon.

Lessons will be taken from Sunday’s performance and it is another chapter in the growth of the Widnes Vikings Women’s team.

National Championship results

Oulton Raidette’s 26-24 Widnes Vikings

Hull FC 28-16 Salford RLFC

Hull KR 6-46 Cardiff Demons

Castleford Tigers 26-4 Bradford Bulls

Manchester Swinton Lionesses 22-18 Warrington Wolves

London Broncos 34-10 Sheffield Eagles