Widnes Vikings 48 - 12 Dewsbury Rams

Match report by Chris 'Ossy' Osbaldeston

The sun is shining as I begin to write this, the M62 a seemingly endless stream of traffic and we lost, 48 – 12. No surprise there then, (except maybe for the sun). After all if there’s any justice in this game Widnes are a Super League outfit in waiting, though I suspect Cas and their supporters might want to argue that point.

Allow me to introduce Leon Willamson, the New Zealand ref on duty today. Those who follow the forums will be aware of the mixed feelings he’s aroused around NL 1 over the last few weeks so I was interested to see how he performed yesterday. Actually, with one possible exception, I was pleasantly surprised, and no, that exception wasn’t his reaction to prop Oliver Wilkes’ clumsy attempt to part Rams full back Ian Preece’s head from his body. My complaint was more about the signals he gave for his decisions, many of which seemed to baffle the players as much as they did the crowd.

As for the Wilkes decision, I’ll reserve my judgement on that until after the RFL have passed theirs. Accidental or deliberate only he knows for sure, but it was the worst head tackle I’ve seen all season, and it was luck and guts more than anything else that kept Preece on the field for the rest of the game. I’ll be interested in the RFL’s reaction, though I won’t be holding my breath in light of some of the decisions they’ve passed down this season.

As for the game, it was an open and enjoyable one despite the scrappy start. A couple of early high shots from the Rams saw Mick Nanyn open the scoring with a penalty from in front of the posts on four minutes. Good play then saw Rams go close on the right, though Widnes went straight back to the other end, Damien Blanch taking the inside pass from Kohe Love’s break to race in under the posts. Mick Nanyn added the points.

But the Rams showed they were very much in the game with Martin Robinson forcing his way over for their first try. With Liam Finn adding the conversion the score was back at 6 – 8. For a while there, a possible surprise was on the cards and though Vikings always had that touch of extra class, it was 22 minutes before Mick Nanyn crashed over on the left.

Twice more Rams went close, Preece being called back for a forward pass, and Austin Buchanan stepping into touch on his way to the line. Widnes on the other hand were that bit more clinical when the try scoring chances came along. This time it was Joel Penny skipping over behind the posts, Nanyn adding the conversion. Finally, with the hooter due any second, the Widnes class showed again. This time it was Nanyn providing the final pass for Penny’s second try before adding the points himself. 24 – 6 at half time, a score that didn’t really reflect the game.

The second half was every bit as good, with the Rams getting off to the ideal start, Kevin Crouthers touching down Dean Lawford’s astute kick through, and Lawford himself adding the extra points.

The game continued up to the hour mark with chances at both ends, until the Vikings killed off hopes of a revival with a couple of quick tries. The first went to second row Paul Noone, and the second to Damien Blanch, who wrong footed the defence to race in under the posts. Nanyn goaled both and Widnes were out of sight at 36 – 12.
Not that the Rams ever gave up, and brilliant work from Ian Preece, coming into the line at speed he took Crouthers inside pass and forced his way over the line only to lose the ball in the act of touching down. They were still on the attack when Jordan James’ interception sent Gavin Dodd racing down to the other end. Mick Nanyn added the extras.

A couple of minutes later, Chris Hall was held short on the right, and Widnes launched one last attack, sweeping down the field for Kohe-Love to score. Nanyn added his 8th goal and the game was over.

Good performances from all, with Ian Preece getting my nomination for Rams M.o.M. for putting in a gutsy performance despite taking that early blow. Injuries may be a problem for the Sheffield game, with Dominic Maloney taking a knock, Ian Preece feeling sore and Danny Maun’s injury from last week still giving cause for concern.

Credit also to the Academy side for their deserved 20 –18 win also over Widnes.

Final score Dewsbury Rams 12 – Widnes Vikings 48.

Attendance 2,853.

Teams,
Rams :- Ian Preece; Bryn Powell; Chris Hall; Kevin Crouthers; Austin Buchanan; Pat Walker; Dean Lawford; Andy Hobson; Liam Finn; Dominic Maloney; Martin Robinson; Alex Bretherton; Josh Weeden.
Subs :- Luke Haigh; Rob Kelly; Joe Helme; Liam Crawley.

Vikings:- Gavin Dodd; Damien Blanch; Toa Kohe Love; Mick Nanyn; Dean Gaskell; Scott Grix; Joel Penny; Mick Cassidy; Mark Smith; Oliver Wilkes; Joel Tomkins; Paul Noone; Bob Beswick.
Subs:- Aaron Summers; Jordan James; Ian Webster; Lee Doran.