A late show from Widnes saved them from a crucial defeat at home to London. Having lead 16-4 in the first half thanks to tries from Paul Atcheson and Steve McCurrie, Widnes chucked away their advantage just before half time when the Broncos scored two tries, through Dom Hall and Tony Martin.
London, inspired by their comeback, took the lead when Francis Stephenson powered over. Tony Martin though failed to convert to leave the score Widnes Vikings 16 London Broncos 20. And that is how the scoreline stayed until 6 minutes from time. Widnes had been playing desperate rugby and had a couple of tries disallowed. When they tackled the London players, the Broncos managed to offload which was very frustrating for the home side and for the crowd. That was until second row forward Andy Hay, signed from Leeds in the close season, powered over in the corner to tie the game. The home crowd went wild when this try was scored but new hero Julian O’Neill couldn’t convert a difficult kick. The Broncos had to hold on. But a poor kick off from Frew lead to Widnes coming straight back at them looking for the winner. Paul Atcheson, standing in for the injured Stuart Spruce, went over near the sticks to win the game for Widnes. O’Neill converted meaning that London needed a try and a goal to draw the match. Widnes wrapped it up when London risked a short drop out and Robert Relf fed former Bronco Shane Millard for the clinching try.
© JDG
