Widnes run riot in the first clash of the Vikings as one player picks up the first 10 of the season

It was a comprehensive afternoon for Widnes as they brushed past Goole 54-24. Widnes racked up the most points in a league match under Allan Coleman’s stewardship and the Vikings looked dangerous ball in hand all afternoon.

The free flowing Rugby was a pleasure to watch and supporters was thoroughly entertained throughout.

Goole helped themselves to a couple of consolation tries towards the end of the game, something that Widnes will want to fix up, but overall it was a dominant display by Widnes locking themselves into second place in the Championship table.

Nathan Connell – 8

It was a match that suited Nathan’s running game ball in hand. The pacey Full-back caused all sorts of problems for Goole being allusive throughout especially when he stepped back on the inside. His cut out pass was on display throughout the game and he helped himself to a try. Watching him develop is an exciting watch for Widnes supporters as there is more to come.

Matt Fleming – 9

His red hot form continues. His hat-trick was reward for his recent performances. Allan Coleman post match highlighted he was the clubs most consistent player over recent weeks and he looks a player who is relishing competition for places and thriving. This week slotting on the Wing he showed his versatility and he is becoming an important player in the back line for Widnes. He even walked away with an assist.

Jumah Sambou – 8

He is a powerful athlete and caused problems all afternoon for the Goole defence. He broke many one on one tackles and got the Vikings on the front foot with his carries. He was rewarded for his efforts with a try and looks a player who will only improve as the season progresses.

Joe Edge – 6

Joe departed the field prematurely and looks to have aggravated a Hamstring injury from a couple of weeks ago. He carried well and no doubt would of thrived in a game like yesterday like Sambou did on the other side of the field. His low score is simply down to his limited minutes and certainly not a reflection of his efforts.

Mike Butt – 7

Most of the action was on the other side of the field ironically where he played last week. Despite this he was impressive with his yardage carries once more and was safe under the high ball, although he will be disappointed with his defensive effort that led to Goole’s last breakaway try.

Jordan Abdull – 7

He played his role in a comprehensive victory, helping move the ball through hands. His kicking game once more was on point throughout, with one leading to Dan Murray’s first try and another leading to Sambou’s try. Despite this he will be disappointed with his defensive effort for Goole’s first try and will have to fix that up against the stronger teams.

Tom Gilmore – 9

If it wasn’t for Dan Murray’s storming afternoon he would of been man of the match. Ball in hand he run the show playing in a dinner jacket. He steered Widnes into the correct position to attack from and helped himself to a try assist and two passes that led to try assists. It was almost a perfect afternoon for Tom other than his pass that led to Goole’s interception try. His contribution is well worth looking out for on Widnes Vikings YouTube premium.

Dan Murray – 10

It needed to take something special to get a 10 and Dan produced exactly that. A Front-rower on a hat-trick says it all. He run his blood to water throughout with his carries and even popped up on the Wing to be within inches of claiming his hat-trick. The best was left until last as Goole broke clear, Dan chased down a Winger from back field in the 75th minute for one of the moments of the season. Although not a try this sums up Dan’s contribution to the team and he has been nothing short of a revelation since joining the club.

Jordan Johnstone – 8

Jordan marshalled the game from behind the play the ball in the opening stages and was a key in Widnes dominating the first half. He got his forwards running onto the ball and grabbed a try assist for his efforts in the first half. His communication with his Half-backs is nothing short of exceptional and his defence as always was rock solid.

Jay Chapelhow – 8

Another outstanding performance by Jay he did everything other than score a try. His engine is huge allowing him to play long minutes and his partnership with Murray as starting Front-rowers is the best in the division on current form. For the Dan Murray cover tackle Jay was well amongst the chasers and was the first one back in the defensive line, highlighting his desperation to prevent tries. He is no doubt one of the best forwards in the division on current form.

Danny Langtree – 7

He was his rock solid defensively throughout leading with his aggression into tackles. He helped his forward pack dominate the opening stages of the game but didn’t see a lot of ball in the final third of the field.

Max Roberts – 7

Once again he was a victim of his own versatility. Joe Edge left the field in the early stages and he was forced to switch to Centre. Similar to Mike Butt he saw little ball in attacking positions. He worked hard as always chipping in with carries, but will be disappointed alongside Mike Butt with his defensive effort that led to Goole’s final try.

Nick Gregson – 8

It was yet another brilliant afternoon for Nick. His performance from Oldham was carried into this fixture and as a reward he bagged himself a try. His link up play with Gilmore and Abdull was fluid and he looked a handful carrying the ball forward. He looks a player to watch this season and his performances are not going unnoticed amongst the Widnes faithful.

Matty Fozard – 8

These types of games are what suit the style of Matty. He broke the line on a couple of occasions, finding his supporting runners and was on Adam Lawton’s shoulder to claim his try under the posts. His defence was solid and Allan Coleman has the recipe nailed on how to get the best out of both his Hookers.

Lewis Hall – 8

It was another strong performance by Hall in the middle. He is a force when he comes onto the field in the middle of the game increasing the intensity defensively. With the new ruck rules he is very effective winning quick play the balls and players like Matty thrive off that. He displayed his creative side hacking the ball forward for him to chase to score his try.

Morgan McWhirter – 7

Similar to Joe Edge he departed the field early due to aggravating a previous knock sustained against Workington. It is likely he will miss the Hunslet game. He made plenty of metres going forward and attracted defenders, but I still feel he is more effective at Loose-forward or Back-row.

Adam Lawton – 8

It was a much better afternoon for Adam. He was back in the Back-row and carried the ball strongly. He picked up an assist off the back of his line break passing to Fozard to score. He attracted defenders all afternoon on the left side creating an abundance of space for the spine of the team to execute plays. The debate continues whether he is better in the Front-row or Back-row.