MATCH REPORT // Newcastle Thunder 6 v 50 Widnes Vikings

Newcastle Thunder failed to make it four wins in a row at home after falling to a humbling defeat against play-off contenders Widnes Vikings.

The side hailing from Cheshire continued their good run of form with a 50-6 victory over their hosts, Newcastle Thunder, making it four wins on the bounce.

Widnes right from the off show their class and resilience, breaking the deadlock in the tenth minute. Centre Max Roberts powered over from close range after the visitors worked the ball into a good attacking position.

The conversion drifting wide, which left the score at 4-0.

Less than 10 minutes later. Widnes were in once more through half-back Joe Lyons. Thunder failed to deal with a loose kick-through and Lyons was quick to collect and dive over on the left edge.

Unsuccessful with the conversion once more, Widnes now led 8-0 with 18 minutes played.

The relentless attack from Widnes kept coming and despite Thunder’s best efforts in defence were unable to keep the visitors at bay, who scored a quick-fire double just before the half-an-hour mark.

The first through second row Sam Wilde and the second through Max Roberts, completing his brace. Kieran Dixon converted both on this occasion and Widnes extended their lead to 20-0.

The scoring wouldn’t end there for the first half as Widnes would cross once more a minute before the break.

Winger Kieran Dixon ran in unopposed on the left edge, after a great looping pass opened the Thunder defence.

Converting his own score, Widnes went in at the break 26-0 in front.

Starting the second half as they left the first, it took Widnes just four minutes before they were in for another try.

Half-back Thomas Gilmore collected the short pass to dive over and with the conversion unsuccessful, Widnes led the tie 30-0 with 35 minutes still to play.

Soon after Sam Wilde would cross for his second of the game on 52 minutes, taking the tie to 34-0 in favour of the visitors before Thunder would strike for a try of their own.

On 59 minutes, Hull FC loanee Denive Balmforth, arguable Thunder’s best player of the game out of nothing danced his way through the Widnes defence to score under the posts.

Full-back Alex Donaghy converted the simple kick and the score now stood 34-4.

Before the close of play in the Round 21 Betfred Championship fixture, Widnes would show exactly why they’re in contention for the play-offs this season, adding three more tries to their scoresheet.

Callum Field, Oliver Brookes and Matthew Fleming all offered their contributions and with Keiran Dixon converting two out of the three, the final score stood at 50-6 to Widnes Vikings.

NEWCASTLE THUNDER SCORERS

TRIES: Denive Balmforth.

GOALS: Alex Donaghy.

WIDNES VIKINGS SCORERS

TRIES: Max Roberts 2, Joe Lyons, Sam Wilde 2, Kieran Dixon, Tom Gilmore, Callum Field, Oliver Brookes, Matthew Fleming.

GOALS: Kieran Dixon 5.

Attendance: 2206.