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Dewsbury Rams 10 - 50 Widnes Vikings

Match report by Chris 'Ossy' Osbaldeston

Two things struck me about last night’s game. Firstly, Widnes are a class side and thoroughly deserved the win, though possibly not by such a wide margin. Second, the fans and the players weren’t as subdued after the game as I’d expected. I got the sense that the side was angry with several aspects of their game, and rightly so. But thoughts were already centred on the trip to Rochdale. Someone described it as ‘our grand final’ and I wouldn’t argue with that. Only I reckon that means we’ve five ‘grand finals’ to get something from this season. Going to be an end of season to match that of last year.

Actually the game began well for The Rams with possibly the best try we’ll score this season. The interplay down the right was magnificent, particularly considering the conditions. Always someone on hand to keep the move going, and Francis Maloney was there to end it with a try in the corner. For that first ten or fifteen minutes we were all allowed to dream, but when The Vikings struck they did so with a ruthlessness which showed why they’re top of the League.

Moving the ball quickly to the right, winger Dean Gaskell went over in the corner. Though Mick Nanyn missed the goal, he made no mistake a minute later, adding the conversion to Joel Penny’s try under the posts, a score caused by a big hit on Ian Preece as he fielded a high ball beneath his own posts.

4 – 10, and still The Rams held on in difficult conditions. Hooker Powell broke down the middle for Widnes, and Bryn Powell did the same for the Rams, only for both moves to end with a fumble. At this point the penalties were all going one way, and The Vikings made us pay, sub Jordan James touching down a grubber kick, and Nanyn adding the conversion.

With half time beckoning, another Rams mistake led to the ball going loose on their own line and full back Scott Grix pouncing for his try. At 4 – 20, hope of a bonus point was disappearing over the horizon at a rate of knots. The situation wasn’t helped by another piece of inept refereeing. Austin Buchanan was first obstructed and then pulled back only yards from the Widnes line, yet with both Hewer and his line judge only yards away, nothing was given.

With the halftime score at 4 – 20 and The Vikings playing well, I felt the Rams would be playing for pride in the second half. A fear compounded by Gaskell’s second try in the corner within three minutes of the restart. Nanyn’s excellent touchline conversion only made matters worse.

Still The Rams played with heart, and no little skill. Using the wind to perfection, Lawford’s restart hung in the wind and was gathered in by The Rams, who then managed to spill the ball. Widnes soon spotted the danger, and had players up quickly on Dean and Francis, forcing them to kick hurriedly. With Dewsbury pressing again, Dennis Moran intercepted on his own 20 metre line and raced the length of the field to score under the posts. Goal Nanyn

16 minutes and they were in again. After a spell of last ditch defending, Nanyn finished off a move he’d begun to score his first try. And still The Rams couldn’t be faulted for effort. With 15 minutes left on the clock, Dean Lawford’s break seemed to have been halted, only for the scrum half to wriggle clear and go over for The Rams second try. Liam Finn’s conversion narrowing the gap only slightly at 10 –36.

But the conditions, and The Viking’s superior fitness began to tell in the last ten minutes. Further tries from Toa Kohe Love, Ian Webster and Dean Gaskell, and a conversion from Nanyn edged the score out to 50 by the time Mr. Hewer blew his whistle for the final time.

Wonder who’ll be reffing us when we go to Rochdale? Answers on a postcard please to Ossy, c/o The Rams Forum.

Two things to smile about though. The sight of Barry McDermott having his make up applied prior to the Sky interview (I've always though he looked cute), and the news that Gareth Hewer only needs to ref one more Rams game this season and he’ll qualify for a benefit game.

How important does this make the game against Rochdale at Spotland on the 19th? I’ll be there, and hopefully so will you.

Attendance 1,885.
Ref G. Hewer

Rams: Ian Preece, Bryn Powell, Francis Maloney, Danny Maun, Austin Buchanan, Patrick Walker, Dean Lawford, Andy Hobson, Liam Finn, Dominic Maloney, Kevin Crouthers, Martin Robinson, Alex Bretherton. Subs: Luke Haigh, Rob Kelly, Joe Helme, Jason Southwell.

Tries: F Maloney, Lawford
Goals: Finn (1)