Widnes grab first victory of the season in front of a bumper crowd, but at what cost?
The Vikings ran out 28-14 winners in front of a healthy 4,018 crowd. Widnes didn’t have it all their own way with North Wales taking the lead twice throughout the game.
A professional final 20 minute performance and tries in the second half from Matty Fozard, Adam Lawton and Nathan Connell sailed the Vikings home to victory.
Injury update
Despite claiming a first league win of the season it wasn’t all smiles for head coach Allan Coleman who finished the game with up to 4 casualties, including two potential long term absences.
In a post match interview with James Gordon, Coleman confirmed Jumah Sambou had sustained a Shoulder injury in the opening 5 minutes of the game but bravely played on.
Joe Edge departed the field early having felt a tweak in his Hamstring half way through the second half. He will be assessed throughout the week to see what the severity of the injury is.
Allan Coleman revealed Sam Wilde’s Ankle injury did not look good. The severity of the injury is still to be determined but the early prognosis is it looks a lengthy spell on the side lines.
Nick Gregson also sustained a suspected PCL injury, if fears are confirmed that could rule him out for the majority of the season.
Player ratings
Nathan Connell – 6
Helped himself to a try and an assist, but came up with a few errors one leading to North Wales’s first try. His assist was a loose pass to Jumah Sambou who did tremendously well to control the pass with his foot to score. His timing into the line made ball movement fluid and showed enough to suggest he is the long term Full-back answer.
Jumah Sambou – 7
Looked a handful returning the ball and grabbed himself two tries. His second try was particularly impressive controlling the ball with his foot to then score. His performance deserves even more credit given he played injured for 75 minutes. His attempted kick into space off his break put the Vikings under pressure but he is certainly a player who will improve as time goes on.
Joe Edge – 8
Got the edge over Morgan McWhirter for my man of the match choice. Joe is becoming a yardage animal making multiple metres early in sets to get the team on the front foot. He found his Winger Sambou for an assist something we want to see more of. If we do he is quickly becoming one of the top talents in the Championship.
Jack Owens – 7
Showed more signs ball in hand that he is going to be an attacking weapon in the Centre. He put Nathan Connell’s try on a plate and was unfortunate not to have another assist from his grubber kick that was just to long for Ryan Ince. Defensively he was caught out when Lloyd Roby got put through the line but in the end it didn’t effect the result.
Ryan Ince – 7
Looked more confident after a run out against Thatto Heath. He was incredibly unlucky not to score off a Jack Owens grubber kick. He came up with a last ditch try saving tackle to stop a certain try. His ball carrying out of back field looked to be getting closer to his standards prior to his long term injury.
Joe Lyons – 6
Tackled well and helped the ball move along fluid in attack, however didn’t show enough running threat to get through the line. Jordan Abdull looked the most likely of the two Half-backs to create opportunities for Widnes. More is needed to keep hold of his starting jersey.
Jordan Abdull – 8
Jordan’s goal kicking was crucial helping Widnes to victory only missing one of several close to the touchline. He was the Vikings most creative player and his kicking for field position trapped North Wales deep in their own half on several occasions. Supporters are beginning to see why Allan took the gamble on such a talented player.
Dan Murray – 7
Another solid display from Dan. He set the platform for Widnes and was part of a pack that trapped North Wales on countless occasions deep in their half. One criticism of the pack was needless penalties given away to let North Wales off the hook.
Jordan Johnstone – 7
Once again his defensive efforts helped get Widnes on the front foot. His switch to Loose-forward took Widnes into another gear and the team looks better for it when he plays in that role. He looks close to his form of 2024 which is a massive plus for Widnes.
Jay Chapelhow – 7
Looks to have massively improved as an all round forward since his last spell with the club. He looks the most likely Prop to score and made really good metres for Widnes on Sunday. His partnership with Murray looks a promising one.
Sam Wilde – 6
Made a brilliant break and put in a much improved performance compared to round one against London Broncos. It is only a 6 due to the length of time he was on the field. His Ankle injury does not look good.
Danny Langtree – 7
Was solid all afternoon and grew into the game as it went along. His aggression in defence is something Widnes need and he made good metres with his carries. To lift his score we need to see some try scoring threat.
Nick Gregson – 6
His premature departure from the action brings his score to 6, however he was showing some good touches ball in hand. His performance was looking like one of his better ones in a Widnes shirt, however his injury opens up an opportunity for someone else.
Matty Fozard – 7
The lively Hooker lifted the tempo of the game coming off the bench. His link up play for his try with Morgan McWhirter was slick. We have seen more complete performances by Matty, but he is a crucial element of the Vikings attack.
Morgan McWhirter – 8
Looked a threat all afternoon and is a player who improves every week. Sam Wilde’s injury could provide an opportunity for Morgan to get a run in the Back Row. He is regularly breaking the line and came away with a try assist. If his pass was accurate off his line break he could of had two. He looks a player who could thrive in the Back-row and the switch could suit his style of play.
Adam Lawton – 6
If it wasn’t for his try it could of been a lower score. His discipline could of cost Widnes and North Wales successfully got under his skin. Despite being lucky avoiding a yellow card he showed his class for his try powering over. He has an ability to crash over in a way no other Widnes player can and it got him out of jail this week.
Jack Bibby – 7
Was solid throughout the game and showed some intent carrying the ball in from kick off. He forced errors in defence, but seems a fraction off his 2025 form. It was a vast improvement on his performance against London and hopefully he improves as the season moves along.
